Illumination combined with haptic touch automotive HMI technologies
A leading pioneer in HMI solutions for over 25 years in the automotive market, we have delivered driver control projects and innovative Smart HMI for hypercars, niche automotive, and motorsport including F1 and WRC.
We are renowned for the design and delivery of products that combine boundary-pushing 3D circuitry in synergy with ‘Secret-til-Lit’ illumination, haptic and capacitive touch technologies. Our ability to combine technologies allows our customers to create beautiful aesthetic, tactile, ergonomic user interfaces that are intuitively functional and non-intrusive.
It is the utilisation of our Sustainable Flexible Electronics technologies that allows a free-form approach, for the ability to create concave and convex surfacing to HMI Steering Wheels that is not possible with traditional circuit boards. It is these complex curves that can be incorporated into the electronics assembly, which deliver world-leading integration opportunities into your HMI. This innovation we call Conductive Contouring allows for the creation of an ultra-thin wheel due to In2tec’s durable flexible electronics that conform to the wheel shell and doing so significantly reduces both profile and weight.
Creating a wheel that is the heart of the environment without overloading the drivers’ visual environment is critical. So incorporating our ‘Secret-til-Lit’ illumination offers the solution whereby only pertinent information is displayed to the driver, thus facilitating required functions with a stroke of the finger.
Proximity detection – incorporating multiple proximity detectors into user interface buttons and dedicated sensor areas we enhance the user experience. Consider illumination on touch switches represented in half-light when the driver’s hand hovers over them. It means the driver can see and select the required button before pressing it and until proximity detection is activated the buttons are visible only by their surface shaping, the benefits being the wheel remains uncluttered to minimise driver distraction and enhance focus.
Backlit capacitive touch buttons equipped with haptic response – with ‘Secret-til-Lit’ technology to illuminate only when needed, a clean and unobstructed view is maintained for improved driver safety. Furthermore, the buttons can be customised with driver-select full RGB colour options, meaning these can be set to match the driver’s interior lighting scheme preferences for a personalised, driving experience. The tactile feedback from onboard haptic generators provides reassurance to the driver, confirming the selection and activation of buttons with physical sensation.
In addition to driver control systems, the application of our technology continues within the automotive interior. Our 3D contoured and ultra-thin profiles can be ergonomically conformed to create concave and convex surfaces that follow the silhouette of the automotive interior. This allows designers to reimagine interior design possibilities. By breaking down design barriers, the HMIs can be placed in the optimum positions for both the driver and passengers, be this on the IP, doors, seats, or compartment interior, enabling the ultimate driving experience and enhanced safety.
At In2tec we remain passionate and committed to delivering quality systems that benefit the application, providing the best solution, and breaking down barriers to design, while also future-proofing your products with their end-of-life (EOL) in mind, using our patented ReUSE® technology - a set of processes and materials combined to produce Electronic Circuit Assemblies that are easily unzipped at EOL. In2tec’s technology provides the means to conductively adhere and mechanically bond electronic components onto Flexible or Flexi-hibrid™ substrate circuit carriers providing substantial electrical and mechanical bonding, whilst allowing the simple deconstruction of all components, interlayers, circuit layers at End-of-Life (EOL) or in repair.
The process of deconstructing or 'unzipping,' we call ReCYCLE™. This proprietary process of ours incorporates an eco-catalyst, high-temperature water & an ultrasonic process to permanently reduce the ReUSE® conductive adhesive bond strength. This facilitates the demounting of components from the substrate with minimal stress. It is ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ that enable the recycling of PCBAs and return components that are reusable multiple times over.
With In2tec, our unique technology can provide you competitive advantage with innovation for driver experience, while simultaneously providing sustainable electronics solutions.
In2tec is proud to be at the forefront of electronics technology innovation, aiding companies worldwide in creating bespoke HMIs and boosting their efficiency in the automotive market and across sectors. We help remove design constraints and customise functionality. To find out more, please contact us.
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