Abstract: A multi-stage capacitive sensor is provided having a layered structure, including a user-contact surface, a first capacitive sensor for the user-contact surface, a second capacitive sensor which is spaced apart from the first capacitive sensor in a direction away from the user-contact surface, and a conductive member. The conductive member is positioned between the first and second capacitive sensors, and is engaged with the first circuit substrate and spaced apart from the second capacitive sensor. In a preferred embodiment, under the application of a force at the user-contact surface, the conductive member is deflected relative to the second capacitive sensor to alter a distance therebetween to create a detectable change in a capacitance at the second capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A multi-stage capacitive sensor is provided having a layered structure, including a user-contact surface, a first capacitive sensor for the user-contact surface, a second capacitive sensor which is spaced apart from the first capacitive sensor in a direction away from the user-contact surface, and a conductive member. The conductive member is positioned between the first and second capacitive sensors, and is engaged with the first circuit substrate and spaced apart from the second capacitive sensor. In a preferred embodiment, under the application of a force at the user-contact surface, the conductive member is deflected relative to the second capacitive sensor to alter a distance therebetween to create a detectable change in a capacitance at the second capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A multi-layered electronic system has a support substrate including at least a primary conductive track; a security layer including at least a conductive security track; an electrically-conductive engagement element in electrical communication with the primary conductive tack, and to which the security layer is mounted so that the conductive security track is in permanent electrical communication with the primary conductive track; and a flexible cover layer which overlies the security layer and which is directly or indirectly secured to the support substrate. The electrical connection between the security layer, conductive engagement element and primary conductive track is interrupted when the conductive security track is broken.

Abstract: A multi-layered electronic system has: a support substrate which supports at least a primary conductive track and a conductive shorting element, which are electrical isolated from one another. A security layer has at least a conductive security connection and a flexible switch element providing an electrical interruption to the conductive security track. The conductive security connection electrically engages the primary conductive track. The flexible switch element is coplanar with the conductive security connection. A dielectric substrate, to which the security layer is affixed, is secured to the support substrate. The electrical interruption of the conductive security connection is bridged by the switch element contacting the conductive shorting element under an actuation force provided from the direction of the dielectric substrate, the switch element being biased away from the conductive shorting element in the absence of the actuation force.

Abstract: A multi-stage switch has a touch-detection layer; a switch circuit substrate; and an electrical contact set including a first electrical contact in communication with the touch-detection layer, and a second electrical contact in communication with the switch circuit substrate. The switch is activatable only upon detection of a touch at the touch-detection layer at or adjacent the first electrical contact and upon electrical activation of the electrical contact set. A method of preventing or inhibiting unintentional activation of the switch and a motor vehicle incorporating the switch is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-layered electronic system has: a support substrate which supports at least a primary conductive track and a conductive shorting element, which are electrical isolated from one another. A security layer has at least a conductive security connection and a flexible switch element providing an electrical interruption to the conductive security track. The conductive security connection electrically engages the primary conductive track. The flexible switch element is coplanar with the conductive security connection. A dielectric substrate, to which the security layer is affixed, is secured to the support substrate. The electrical interruption of the conductive security connection is bridged by the switch element contacting the conductive shorting element under an actuation force provided from the direction of the dielectric substrate, the switch element being biased away from the conductive shorting element in the absence of the actuation force.

Abstract: A multi-layered electronic system has a support substrate including at least a primary conductive track; a security layer including at least a conductive security track; an electrically-conductive engagement element in electrical communication with the primary conductive tack, and to which the security layer is mounted so that the conductive security track is in permanent electrical communication with the primary conductive track; and a flexible cover layer which overlies the security layer and which is directly or indirectly secured to the support substrate. The electrical connection between the security layer, conductive engagement element and primary conductive track is interrupted when the conductive security track is broken.