Control system with textile having conductive element for controlling operation of a vehicle system

{
  "publication_number": "US10882444B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Control system with textile having conductive element for controlling operation of a vehicle system",
  "abstract": "A control system for controlling operation of a vehicle system is described. The control system includes a trim cover textile configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component and having an electrically conductive element configured to provide a capacitive touch functionality. In response to a user touch, the electrically conductive element generates a signal representative of a user command for the vehicle system. The system also includes a control unit adapted to be provided in electrical communication with the electrically conductive element of the trim cover. The control unit is configured to receive the user command signal and, in response, generate a control signal to effectuate control of the vehicle system.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A control system for controlling operation of a vehicle system, the control system comprising: a trim cover textile configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component, the trim cover textile comprising an electrically conductive element configured to provide a capacitive touch functionality, wherein, in response to a user touch, the electrically conductive element generates a signal representative of a user command for the vehicle system, and wherein the electrically conductive element is embroidered on or in a surface of the trim cover textile; and a control unit configured to be provided in electrical communication with the electrically conductive element of the trim cover textile, the control unit configured to receive the signal representative of the user command for the vehicle system and, in response, generate a control signal to effectuate control of the vehicle system.",
    "2. The control system of claim 1 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component comprising a vehicle seat.",
    "3. The control system of claim 2 wherein the control unit is configured to be mounted in the vehicle seat.",
    "4. The control system of claim 1 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component comprising a vehicle headliner.",
    "5. The control system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle system comprises a lighting system, an illumination system, an infotainment system, a radio system, a voice control system, or a climate control system.",
    "6. The control system of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive element comprises an electrically conductive line, lead, trace, or track.",
    "7. The control system of claim 1 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of the vehicle component visible to a user.",
    "8. The control system of claim 1 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of the vehicle component unseen by a user.",
    "9. The control system of claim 1 wherein the trim cover textile further comprises another electrically conductive element attached to the surface of the trim cover textile and configured to provide a capacitive touch functionality.",
    "10. The control system of claim 9 wherein the another electrically conductive element is encapsulated and the encapsulated another electrically conductive element is joined to the surface of the trim cover textile.",
    "11. The control system of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive element comprises a control switch for controlling operation of the vehicle system.",
    "12. The control system of claim 1 further comprising: an electrically conductive rivet; and an electrical conductor having an electrically conductive ring connector; wherein the electrically conductive ring connector and the electrically conductive element are each configured to receive the electrically conductive rivet to electrically connect the electrically conductive element and the electrical conductor, and wherein the electrical conductor is configured for electrical connection to the control unit.",
    "13. A control system for controlling operation of a vehicle system, the control system comprising: a trim cover textile configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component, the trim cover textile comprising a control switch having an electrically conductive element configured as a line, lead, trace, or track, the control switch configured to provide a capacitive touch functionality, wherein, in response to a user touch, the control switch generates a signal representative of a user command for the vehicle system, and wherein the electrically conductive element is embroidered on or in a surface of the trim cover textile; and a control unit configured to be provided in electrical communication with the electrically conductive element of the trim cover textile, the control unit configured to receive the signal representative of the user command for the vehicle system and, in response, generate a control signal to effectuate control of the vehicle system.",
    "14. The control system of claim 13 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component comprising a vehicle seat or a vehicle headliner.",
    "15. The control system of claim 13 wherein the vehicle system comprises a lighting system, an illumination system, an infotainment system, a radio system, a voice control system, or a climate control system.",
    "16. The control system of claim 13 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of the vehicle component visible to a user.",
    "17. The control system of claim 13 wherein the trim cover textile is configured to cover at least a portion of the vehicle component unseen by a user.",
    "18. The control system of claim 13 further comprising: an electrically conductive rivet; and an electrical conductor having an electrically conductive ring connector; wherein the electrically conductive ring connector and the electrically conductive element are each configured to receive the electrically conductive rivet to electrically connect the electrically conductive element and the electrical conductor, and wherein the electrical conductor is configured for electrical connection to the control unit.",
    "19. The control system of claim 13 wherein the control switch includes another electrically conductive element attached to the surface of the trim cover textile.",
    "20. The control system of claim 19 wherein the another electrically conductive element is encapsulated and the encapsulated another electrically conductive element is joined to the surface of the trim cover textile."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The following relates to control systems for controlling operation of vehicle systems, the control systems comprising textiles with conductive features for electrically connecting such textiles to control units or modules, thereby enabling vehicle system controls to be integrated into vehicle components such as seats or headliner trims and a method for manufacturing such textiles. Such connected textiles may also provide for control of various vehicle systems, such as through capacitive touch functionality.\n\nIn autonomous and other advance vehicles, there is a need for improved control systems or mechanisms to enable advanced end-user engagement. Such improved control systems would ideally be integrated into vehicle seats, headliners, or other interior components and become a center for occupant information and connectivity.\n\nAccording to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a control system is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle system. The control system comprises a trim cover textile configured to cover at least a portion of a vehicle component, the trim cover textile comprising an electrically conductive element configured to provide a capacitive touch functionality. In response to a user touch, the electrically conductive element generates a signal representative of a user command for the vehicle system. The control system further comprises a control unit adapted to be provided in electrical communication with the electrically conductive element of the trim cover.",
  "cpc": [
    "B60Q 3/80",
    "B60N 2/002",
    "B60N 2/0228",
    "B60N 2/0233",
    "B60N 2/5891",
    "B60N 2/90",
    "B60N 2230/10",
    "B60R 11/0217",
    "B60R 21/01532",
    "H03K 17/96",
    "H03K 17/962",
    "H03K 2017/9602",
    "H03K 2217/960755"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60N 2/00",
    "B60Q 3/80",
    "B60R 21/015",
    "H03K 17/96"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Lear Corp"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Lisa TOWNLEY",
    "Michael Hans",
    "Paul S. Severinski",
    "John M. Sember"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2019-07-26",
  "publication_date": "2021-01-05",
  "grant_date": "2021-01-05",
  "priority_date": "2018-09-27",
  "application_number": "US-201916522729-A",
  "family_id": "69945636",
  "cited_by_count": 13,
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}