Bidirectional Knob Controller for Vehicle HMI Function Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human-machine interfaces in vehicles require a large number of control devices, leading to increased interior space usage and production costs, making them inefficient and costly to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectionally rotatable and linearly translatable knob-based interface that allows selection and control of multiple vehicle functions, reducing the need for multiple control devices by integrating function selection and control through a single multifunction interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dedicated buttons and control devices are used for each vehicle system, then each system can be controlled independently, but the interior surface area required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single control interface that performs multiple functions: the same knob is used for selecting different vehicle systems (climate control, audio, navigation) and for controlling parameters within each system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated buttons for each system, thereby reducing the interior surface area while maintaining full system control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate control functions into a unified interface. The selection mechanism and control mechanism are merged into a single knob assembly, where the act of selecting a system and controlling its parameters both occur through the same physical interface, consolidating multiple control devices into one
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated control devices are installed for each vehicle function, then comprehensive control is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is designed as a universal component that can control multiple vehicle functions through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware for each function. This reduces the bill of materials and production costs while maintaining the ability to control comprehensive vehicle functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control devices into a single integrated unit, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces production costs while maintaining comprehensive vehicle function control through the unified interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous control devices are used for each vehicle system, then complete system control is possible, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control devices into a single integrated control interface, reducing the number of assembly steps and connections required. Instead of assembling and wiring multiple separate buttons and controls, the unified interface requires fewer assembly operations while maintaining the capability to provide complete system control input
4Area of stationary object
If a single multifunction interface is used, then interior space and production cost are reduced, but the interface must handle multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-stage control mechanism where the first dimension (knob rotation) selects the function or system, and the second dimension (knob pressing and rotating) controls the parameter within that system. This dimensional separation allows a single physical interface to handle multiple functions without requiring additional space, as the multiplicity is achieved through different operational modes rather than additional physical components
Data Source
AI summary
A human-machine interface device for controlling a plurality of vehicle functions. The interface has a knob which is bidirectionally rotatable at a rest level and a pressed level. A selected one of the vehicle functions is selected by the knob at the rest level, and the selected one of the vehicle functions is controlled by the knob at the pressed level.