Context-Adaptive Haptic Knob for Recreational Vehicle Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles face challenges in providing effective user interaction and control due to varying contexts such as terrain and weather conditions, which can make traditional input and output devices like touchscreens difficult to use, and different functions and accessories require different types of input and output devices.
Innovation Solution
A haptic input/output (I/O) device for recreational vehicles that includes a rotatable knob with a position sensor, mechanical actuator, and controller to provide customizable haptic feedback, such as detents, end stops, and return-to-position forces, adjusting input and output functionality based on the vehicle's function and context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input and output devices like touchscreens are used, then the device structure is simple, but usability deteriorates in challenging conditions such as varying terrain and weather
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic I/O device serves multiple functions including rotary input, push input, and haptic feedback provision, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate devices such as touchscreens, physical knobs, and alert systems. This multi-functionality improves usability across different operating conditions while managing device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on the operational context and vehicle state. The controller modifies detent forces, end-stop characteristics, and return-to-position forces according to different functions and conditions, enabling adaptive usability without requiring complex hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of input and output devices are provided for different functions and accessories, then functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single haptic I/O device replaces multiple specialized devices by providing context-dependent functionality. The same physical device adapts its behavior through haptic profiles to serve as a shifter, drive mode selector, winch controller, or other functions, thereby comprehensive functionality is achieved without proportionally increasing device count.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves different functional characteristics by changing haptic parameters such as detent position, end-stop force, and return-to-position behavior through software-controlled profiles rather than through physical reconfiguration or multiple hardware variants.
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback with multiple profiles is implemented, then usability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple haptic profiles are implemented by storing different sets of haptic parameters (detent forces, end-stop positions, return-to-position characteristics) in memory and switching between them based on the current function. This allows rich usability characteristics without requiring physically complex mechanisms for each profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical mechanisms that would traditionally be needed to provide different haptic characteristics for different functions are replaced with an electronically controlled mechanical actuator that can dynamically adjust its behavior through software-controlled haptic profiles.
4Reliability
If a mechanical actuator is used to provide haptic feedback, then feedback realism is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuator operates periodically or intermittently to provide haptic feedback only when needed for specific functions or events, rather than continuously. This allows realistic haptic feedback to be delivered on-demand, improving feedback realism while managing energy consumption through selective activation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The haptic I/O device enhances usability by providing customizable feedback, reducing the need for additional devices and improving interaction with vehicle systems, especially in challenging conditions, by dynamically adjusting input and output capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the profile defines haptic feedback comprising any one of: (i) one or more detents, (ii) one or more end stops, (iii) one or more return-to-position forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a haptic input/output device for recreational vehicles. The disclosed aspects provide dynamic haptic feedback to a vehicle operator depending on a vehicle context and/or the functionality being controlled by the haptic input/output device. In some instances, the haptic input/output device is usable to control a touch-sensitive input device, thereby offering tactile feedback to a vehicle operator when controlling providing input via the touch-sensitive input device accordingly.