In this video we are testing the slider controller interface for the motor controller prototype.
Touch sensor is a P-CAP -type slider. Used motor is Somfy LW26-B83 made for roller shutters.
How is this manufactured?
Coating is made at the back side of the float glass, with Volframi’s proprietary partial coating equipment.
In this prototype, coating post process patterning has been done with laser etching. The glass is coated with thin ITO for aesthetics purposes. The patterning is almost invisible.
In manufacturing, FFC cable to PCB is bonded directly over ITO patterning. With insulated glass units, electronics can be placed completely inside of sealing space, only the active area is “visible” to users. Partial coating has no limitations to glass sheet size or shape.
How do you mark an interface, if it’s transparent?
Due to the nature of the prototype, the coated area is larger than needed. In production versions coating area sizing can be optimized, and that minimizes post processing etching area.
Touch areas can be marked with various methods, to ease users to identify areas. Suitable methods are laser marking, printing etc. Design is fully customizable with customers’ requirements.
What can be controlled with the interface?
You can control different things, for example motorized curtains, lighting, blinds etc. Functions and gestures are customized according to customer requirements. Functions can be slider switch, slider dimmer, such as in the video or just an on/ off function.
Could this function be used in my own products?
Volframi manufactures partial coating equipment that are feasible to be used in this type of coating solutions.
The prototype shown in the video has been designed with our partner in such a way that, based on it, it is possible to directly develop a slide controller for commercial use, e.g. to be installed in IGUs.
Since the product is completely unique and new, there are no off-the-shelf parts ready for it yet. The product combinations created for the customers are currently customized individual solutions.
The product is designed to be suitable for mass production. As these solutions become more common, we will also have ready-made parts. In large production batches, low prices can be reached in manufacturing already now.
