Presenting our Smart HMI steering wheel technology demonstrator, designed to exemplify possibilities for improved driver safety and with an array of features to enhance the driver experience. Underpinning this is Intec’s 25-years+ Smart HMI expertise and our pioneering strides in Sustainable Electronics. Our technology demonstrator showcase illuminates the transformative possibilities for HMI applications, made possible with In2tec’s innovative Flexi-hibrid™ and ReUSE® technologies.
Our Flexi-hibrid™ Technology delivers highly reliable Flexible Circuit Assemblies, and our ReUSE® technology is a set of advanced materials, processes and design parameters combined that allow the ‘unzipping’ process of Electronic Circuit Assemblies at End-of-Life (EOL). ReUSE® technology provides the means to conductively adhere and mechanically bond electronic components onto substrate carriers providing substantial electrical and mechanical bonding, whilst allowing the simple deconstruction of all components, interlayers, and circuit layers at EOL or in repair.
The deconstruction or ‘unzipping' process, ReCYCLE™, utilises a combination of proprietary processes, hot water, and an eco-friendly catalyst that permanently changes the chemistry, meaning that there is little if no stress induced on the components during the demounting from the substrate. The combination of ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ delivers the opportunity to fully recycle printed circuit board assemblies and provide second-life components that are realistically useable many times over.
Features and benefits our technology delivers:
Ultra thin-profile capability – leveraging our advanced and patented flexible electronics we offer new benefits for enhanced function, ergonomic design, aesthetics, and packaging constraints accomplished in this steering wheel demonstrator.
Complex curve construction – built around our flexible electronics and 3-D circuit assemblies, a technology that enables an ultra-thin body with significant concave and convex surfacing surpassing the limitations of conventional rigid or semi-rigid printed circuit technologies. This means the complex 3-D shapes allow for sensors, and the user input interface to seamlessly fit within the limited space of the product, in this case, a steering wheel assembly. This provides the opportunity to design shapes with every area of real estate utilised, optimising both profile and weight.
Low-profile OLED display – curved display, ensures an ergonomic and immersive experience, presenting details in a clutter-free manner to minimise driver distraction. This always ‘up’ LCD screen ensures information remains vertical, enhancing usability and safety, even when the wheel is turned the information is oriented upright.
LED lightbar – integrated into the wheel, with the space gained using our flexible electronics, it safely communicates the vehicle's status to the driver in their peripheral vision through diffused ambient light, with output via an array of individually addressable RGBW LEDs for conveying vital alerts such as rev limits, over-speed warnings and left/right vehicle indicator notifications.
Proximity detection – all user interface buttons and dedicated sensor areas have inbuilt proximity detectors. Multiple use of proximity sensing delivers a significantly improved user experience. An example is illumination on touch switches represented in half-light when the hand hovers over them. This ensures the driver can see and select the required button before pressing it. Until proximity detection is activated the buttons are visible only by their surface shaping. Overall, this means the wheel remains uncluttered to minimise driver distraction.
Backlit capacitive touch buttons with haptic response – with our ‘Secret-til-Lit’ technology the buttons are only illuminated when needed. This ensures an uncluttered view helping with driver focus for gains in driver safety. Tactile feedback through on-board haptic generators provides a reassuring physical sensation to the driver, confirming that the button has been selected and pressed.
Hands-Off detection/Hands-On detection – Multiple sensors dynamic monitoring provides a high-definition view of the driver-awareness state and Hand-off wheel detection. The ability to utilise significantly more real estate for electronic functions in a small space is realised in multiple sensor capability. Hands-Off recognition is provided by a combination of capacitive proximity sensing, camera evaluation, plus integrated heart rate sensors. The integrated light bar provides visual alerts for driver awareness, with red warning lights indicating Hands-Off status.
Hi-resolution ultra-compact camera – integral to driver safety management systems, a micro-camera employs CMOS image sensor technology delivering high-quality imaging and monitoring for physical signs of distraction or drowsiness, visual and audible alerts can be activated.
Driver recognition – using the integrated camera and driver recognition technology for multi-user setups, enabling seamless identification of drivers & automatic configuration of driver-vehicle preferences and vehicle security settings.
Our sustainable flexible electronics solutions exemplify a shift in automotive design, offering advancements in driver safety and user experience. This technology demonstrator not only showcases the possibilities for automotive engineers but also underscores In2tec’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainable electronics across diverse HMI applications and market sectors.
To find out more contact a member of our team today.
T. + 44 (0)1536 419200 (office hours GMT: 8.30am-5.00pm Mon-Thurs; 8.30am-2.30pm Fri)
Follow our Smart HMI page to keep updated at https://lnkd.in/e53juqSa