PROXIMITY SWITCH AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATION THEREOF Russian patent published in 2019 - IPC H03K17/955 G01R27/26 

FIELD: motor vehicle industry.

SUBSTANCE: proximity switch assembly is disclosed. Proximity switch assembly comprises a proximity sensor comprising first and second fixed electrodes for generating an activation field. Proximity switch assembly also comprises soft material located on top of the proximity sensor and a control circuit. Control circuit controls the activation field and determines the activation of the proximity switch based on the signal generated by the sensor relative to the threshold value, when the user's finger presses on the soft material. Control circuit determines a first stable signal amplitude over a period of time as a result of user action, determines the next second stable signal amplitude during a second period of time and generates an activation output for the proximity switch when the second stable signal exceeds the first stable signal by a known amount. Method of activating a proximity switch and a proximity switch assembly are also disclosed. Successful detection of switch activation is achieved, while preventing accidental activation of the switch, which can be detected when a finger examines a switch assembly or is in search. For an improved proximity switch assembly, enhanced activation detection is provided, which may be beneficial or useful in a vehicle to avoid driver distraction.

EFFECT: proximity switch assembly successfully provides improved switch activation detection to improve the prevention of accidental activations.

17 cl, 37 dwg