Adjustable-Resistance Knob Structure for In-Car Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car display knob structures do not efficiently allow drivers to make appropriate adjustments to various functions, such as volume, radio channels, and air conditioning settings, due to the increasing complexity of in-car electronics.
Innovation Solution
A knob structure that includes a base support, a knob portion with an inclined inner wall surface, a seat, and elastic pieces, allowing users to adjust the resistance by moving the elastic pieces to different height levels relative to the knob portion, facilitating appropriate adjustments to different functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-resistance knob is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot make appropriate adjustments to different functions with varying complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic pieces are designed to be movable along the inclined inner wall surface, allowing their position to change dynamically. This enables the resistance to be adjusted according to different functions, transforming a static knob into a dynamic control system that adapts to various control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The knob is divided into multiple functional components: the base support, the seat, and multiple elastic pieces that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing adjustable resistance for different control scenarios
2Ease of operation
If multiple elastic pieces are used at different positions, then the resistance can be adjusted for different functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same elastic piece can serve multiple functions by being positioned at different locations along the inclined inner wall surface. Depending on its position, the elastic piece provides different resistance levels for various functions, making a single component multi-functional rather than requiring separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pieces are nested within the knob structure, specifically positioned between the seat and the inclined inner wall surface. This nested arrangement allows multiple elastic pieces to coexist in a compact space without significantly increasing the overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic pieces are moved to different height levels, then the resistance changes for different functions, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The position of the elastic pieces along the inclined inner wall surface is used as a variable parameter to control the resistance. By changing the height level or axial position of the elastic pieces, the resistance parameter is adjusted to match different functional requirements, providing adaptability through parameter variation rather than structural complexity
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 users to easily adjust various car display functions by changing the resistance level, improving user experience and simplifying the process of controlling complex in-car electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic pieces (140). The elastic pieces are disposed on the seat and configured to abut against the inner wall surface
Data Source
AI summary
A knob structure includes a base support, a knob portion, a seat and a plurality of elastic pieces. The knob portion has an inner wall surface. The inner wall surface is inclined to an axis and surrounds the axis to define a space. The knob portion is signally connected to a processor and configured to rotate relative to the base support about the axis. The seat is at least partially located in the space. The seat is at least partially sleeved to the base support and configured to move relative to the base support along the axis. The elastic pieces are disposed on the seat and configured to abut against the inner wall surface.