Innovative concepts for the automotive industry

Innovative Input Devices
CASE STUDY
Innovative concepts for the automotive industry
SENSOFOIL® in the AUDI e-tron
www.tastatur.de/EN
Innovative Input Devices
THE REQUIREMENTS
The development of the automotive study e-tron conducted by AUDI
AG, represents the highest engineering skills in the field of alternative
drive systems. The primary purpose of this project was to design an
electric sports car following the high quality and performance standards that AUDI represents. During this project a further focus was
placed on the realization of a new interior design concept matching
the special needs of an AUDI sports car.
The goal behind this particular development project was to reduce
the controls currently arranged on the dashboard by implementing a
multi-functional panel concept as a replacement. Without compromising on the familiar functionality, the central control unit (Multi Media
Interface – MMI) in the AUDI e-tron was to become more user friendly.
THE IMPLEMENTATION
Hoffmann + Krippner was faced with a unique challenge, including
tremendous space limitations, the guarantee for reliable operation of
the MMI, as well as the adaptation to the supreme design of the AUDI
interior.
The initial proposal, a capacitive solution for the control unit, turned
out to be ineffective, as the space constraints prevented reliable
operation and created a risk for operating errors due to accidental
contact. Within a short amount of time, the concept using a resistive solution was adopted, based on the SENSOFOIL® technology by
Hoffmann + Krippner.
Due to the implementation of several SENSOFOIL® product variations, the initial concept of multi-functionality was maintained. Control
commands can now be activated through a light touch while providing the driver with tactile feedback, as to support reliable operation.
THE RESULT
The interior of the AUDI e-tron is characterized by the nearly complete
absence of universally recognized buttons and detailed components.
Instead of the classic segmented display, the study entails a large display with integrated MMI-functions. It can be operated through both
the touch sensitive controls on the steering wheel as well as the central MMI-panel conveniently located in the center console.
A round SENSOTOUCH® was integrated into the center MMI
console, embedded with a character recognition software in order to
make quick data entry for telephonenumbers, ect. possible. Due to
the implementation of a resistive solution, the operation of the MMI is
possible without restrictions by hand, when wearing gloves or even
with a pen.
SENSOFOIL® membrane potentiometer based on FR4 with tactile
feedback were integrated into the steering wheel, for the purpose of
central control of various functions such as volume adjustment and
temperature control.
INNOVATION MADE IN GERMANY
HOFFMANN + KRIPPNER
CASE STUDY Innovative concepts for the automotive industry
Innovative Input Devices
TECHNICAL INNOVATION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL
Hoffmann + Krippner opens up new vistas, solves problems and realizes visions in the three main
business areas complex input devices, ultra-flat position sensors and industrial PC systems.
In business for more than 35 years, we now have become the leading manufacturer of customized
keyboards and complex input systems and are a market leader in Europe.
We develop and produce innovative input devices, control units and sensors for international customers in numerous industries, from consumer electronics, medical technology and aviation to mechanical engineering and military technology..
Hoffmann + Krippner’s product portfolio meets the highest expectations, from simple membrane
keyboards to complex designs including enclosure, electronics and software.
Germany
USA
Hoffmann + Krippner GmbH
Siemensstrasse 1
74722 Buchen
Tel. +49 (0) 6281 5200 0
[email protected]
www.tastatur.de
Hoffmann + Krippner Inc.
200 Westpark Drive
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Tel. +1 770 487 19 50
[email protected]
www.hoffmann-krippner.com
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Hoffmann + Krippner GmbH
Bernstrasse 4
8964 Rudolfstetten
+41 (0) 56 641 27 70
[email protected]
www.tastatur.ch
Hoffmann + Krippner GmbH
Cowley Road
Cambridge, CB4 0WS
Tel.: +44 (0) 1223 421 889
[email protected]
www.hoffmann-krippner.co.uk
The Netherlands
Hoffmann + Krippner B.V.
Celsiusweg 32
5928 PR Venlo
Tel. +31 (0) 77 396 87 79
[email protected]
www.huk-bv.nl
Hoffmann + Krippner - Innovative Input Devices
CASESTUDY_AUDI_ENG_Version 1.1 04/2012