US 11,667,175 B2
Interior panel including capacitive change detection for an interior of a vehicle and a method for making the same
John Bullock, Savannah, GA (US); Sean Thornton, Savannah, GA (US); John Marchetti, Savannah, GA (US); Josh Tatum, Savannah, GA (US); and Stephen Spencer, Savannah, GA (US)
Assigned to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah, GA (US)
Filed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah, GA (US)
Filed on Sep. 11, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/568,051.
Prior Publication US 2021/0070153 A1, Mar. 11, 2021
Int. Cl. B60J 5/04 (2006.01); G06F 3/044 (2006.01); H03K 17/96 (2006.01); H01H 9/18 (2006.01)
CPC B60J 5/0416 (2013.01) [G06F 3/044 (2013.01); H01H 9/182 (2013.01); H03K 17/962 (2013.01); B60K 2370/1434 (2019.05); H01H 2231/026 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An interior panel for an interior of a vehicle, the interior panel comprising:
an outer covering having a first surface that is configured to be exposed to the interior of the vehicle and a second surface that is disposed opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface has a first pattern formed therein that is hidden from the first surface;
a first light source that is configured to generate light and that is disposed adjacent to the second surface aligned with the first pattern, wherein when the first light source generates light, a first illuminated pattern corresponding to the first pattern formed in the second surface is visible on a first area of the first surface;
a first capacitive sensor that is disposed proximate to the second surface and that is configured to generate a first capacitance change signal in response to a change in capacitance of the first capacitive sensor when an object is proximate to the first area of the first surface; and
a controller in communication with the first capacitive sensor to receive the first capacitance change signal and configured to generate a first command signal in response to the first capacitance change signal,
wherein the first area is aligned with the first pattern, wherein the first capacitive sensor is aligned with the first pattern, and wherein the controller is in communication with the first light source and is configured to direct the first light source to generate light in response to the first capacitance change signal,
wherein the interior panel includes a board assembly that is disposed adjacent to the second surface and that includes a capacitive touch board, and wherein the capacitive touch board includes the first capacitive sensor, and
wherein the capacitive touch board includes a first refining pattern formed therethrough that is aligned with the first pattern, and wherein the first capacitive sensor is at least partially surrounded by the first refining pattern.