Adaptive Touch-Sensitive Steering Wheel Surface for Dynamic Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch-sensitive technologies lack dynamic and adaptive solutions for vehicle steering wheels, limiting their ability to provide intuitive and safe computer input while driving, particularly for controlling vehicle functions and data communication.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive steering wheel surface that dynamically adapts to hand positions and movements, using a pattern detection system to generate control signals and integrate tactile and visual feedback, allowing for the simulation of a computer keyboard, PDA keypad, or mobile phone interface without removing hands from the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed array of touch-sensitive zones is used on the steering wheel, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different hand positions and movements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic array of touch-sensitive zones that can be reconfigured in real-time based on detected hand positions. The system transitions from a static fixed grid to a dynamic adaptive grid that moves and reshapes with the driver's hands, allowing the same physical zones to serve different functional purposes at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both a steering wheel cover and an input device, and the same physical zones can represent different keys or controls depending on hand position. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to adapt to various input scenarios without requiring separate fixed arrays for different functions.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel surface is made touch-sensitive for computer input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of safe driving operation may deteriorate due to potential unintentional inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates tactile feedback through elastic elements that provide nonlinear force-travel characteristics, giving the driver sensory feedback about which zones are active and how pressure is being detected. This feedback mechanism helps distinguish intentional inputs from unintentional movements by providing distinct tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration of touch-sensitive zones based on real-time hand position detection ensures that only zones corresponding to actual hand contacts are activated. This prevents unintentional inputs from occurring when the driver's hands are merely resting on the wheel without intent to input, as the system continuously adapts the active input zones to match detected hand positions.
3Measurement precision
If a nonlinear force-travel profile is implemented through elastic elements, then the tactile feedback sensitivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent nonlinear elastic properties of fabric and fiber materials to create the force-travel profile. By selecting materials with specific elastic characteristics and configuring the weave pattern, the system achieves the desired nonlinear tactile feedback without requiring precise mechanical adjustments or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel cover combines multiple materials including fabric layers, elastic elements, and conductive components to achieve both the nonlinear tactile feedback and the touch-sensitive functionality. This composite structure leverages the natural properties of each material to provide the desired force-travel characteristics while simplifying manufacturing compared to purely mechanical solutions.
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
Enables safe and intuitive control of vehicle functions and data communication by dynamically adapting input zones to hand positions, providing tactile and visual feedback, and differentiating intentional inputs from unintentional movements, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The input face can be made touch-sensitive and/or approach-sensitive and/or can integrate tactile feedback in the through-connection behavior
Implementation Method 2
It is also possible to integrate visual display properties, in particular by means of light-emitting fibers or by means of a layer of light-emitting polymers
Data Source
AI summary
The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel direction indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated. Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas.