Console with grounded trim ring
A vehicle console includes a trim ring disposed over a periphery of a housing. The trim ring includes a polymeric material and is electrically conductive and grounded. A proximity switch assembly is retained in the housing. The proximity switch assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate a sensing pad for generating an activation field. The sensing pad is proximate the trim ring.
1. A housing assembly for a proximity sensor comprising:
a base coupled to a vehicle surface, wherein the base holds the proximity sensor between a lens and a printed circuit board and the proximity sensor is coupled to the printed circuit board and generates an activation field disposed proximate the lens; and
a conductive portion proximate the activation field, wherein the conductive portion is grounded.
2. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 1 , wherein the base has a higher surface resistivity than the conductive portion.
3. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 2 , wherein the conductive portion comprises chrome plating.
4. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 2 , wherein the base comprise a first polymeric material and wherein the conductive portion comprises a second polymeric material.
5. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 4 , wherein the second polymeric material includes an acryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) comprising approximately 0.5% to approximately 2% volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes and approximately 4% to approximately 6% volume high aspect ratio carbon black.
6. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 5 , wherein the acryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) comprising approximately 0.5% to approximately 2% volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes and approximately 4% to approximately 6% volume high aspect ratio carbon black has a surface resistivity of approximately 0.8×10 5 ohm/sq to approximately 1.2×10 5 ohm/sq.
7. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 4 , wherein the proximity sensor includes a capacitive sensor.
8. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 4 , wherein the conductive portion surrounds the lens.
9. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 8 , wherein the conductive portion is a trim ring.
10. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 9 , wherein the trim ring is electrically coupled to a conductive support and wherein the conductive support is electrically coupled to a printed circuit board.