Rubber Keypads in Driverless Vehicle Design

With driverless cars predicted as the automobiles for the future, the controls inside are something that the engineers and manufacturers are contemplating these days.  Using silicone rubber keypads is among the likely components in the new automobiles because of their flexibility, sturdiness and customization.  A change in placement is going to be necessary, but possible.  While you will find several designs with six auto producers and technology companies, automotive experts predict driverless automobiles will reach the customer market between 2020 and 2028.  Some automobiles that have partly automated control would be in place by 2015.  Now is the right time for auto designers to begin preparing to utilize silicone rubber keypad design.

Placement

Rubber Keypads are being used in many automobiles today.  The main difference will probably be their placement and customization.  For any side-seat passenger, for instance, a main panel on the dashboard still helps make the most sense, with custom rubber keypads for comfort, lighting and music.  An automated screen for that automated driver, however, will require a lot of that space as seen in most of the present designs.  The new console for passenger access will probably have to be around the right-hand side of the dashboard.  On the door, you will find buttons for door locks and window function.  Seat heating and positioning are rapidly becoming options in high end automobiles.  Integrating these controls into a rubber keypad within arm's reach will provide comfort and luxury for the front and back seat as well.

Customization

Automobiles with a number of features could be personalized through the designer.  For instance, silicone rubber keypad can control accessibility to any controls within the vehicle, from music to lighting to the likely-to-be-needed automated shut-off switch.

Flexibility

The placement of keys on rubber keypads is important to convenience and comfort of the passengers.  The buttons could be created in any shape or color, so designers should think about the main use.  For instance, features for temperature, vent and air control might be centrally situated by having an off-on switch and colors denoting cold and warm keys, with arrows for higher or lower temps and output.  Window and seat functions are other options to control.  Custom silicone molding may be used around the keypad and throughout the entire vehicle to protect holes and seams from moisture, chemical and dust.  The color scheme could be modified to coordinate with the other colors in the vehicle.

Sturdiness

Custom silicone rubber is really sturdy material that may withstand heavy use, grime, moisture and extreme conditions.  Keypads for tomorrow's cars will require all of these functions to last as long as the automobiles.  Furthermore, silicone rubber producers can also add coatings which are resistant against abrasion and chemicals.  They may also improve bonding to acrylics, and to give a silicone-based conductive coating to silicone keypad items.

Kee Group USA  produces various types of quality switches for electronic or mechanical products.  They also provide other interface needs including graphic overlays, mirror overlays, badges and emblems, keypads and in-mold decorations.  For more information on rubber keypad and rubber keypads, visit our website!