Integrated Center Fascia HMI Module for Vehicle Wiring Optimization
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing center fascia in vehicles is complicated due to separately installed electronic devices, leading to insufficient package space and complex wiring, which increases development time and cost, and fails to provide a differentiated interface for various vehicle models and regions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated interface module in the center fascia that links main controllers through a communication network, such as CAN or Ethernet, allowing for a flexible and expandable human machine interface (HMI) that can be customized for different vehicle models and regions, with the ability to change the position of main controllers and use a standardized signal mapping table to identify and transmit input signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are independently installed in the center fascia, then each device can be controlled separately, but the package space becomes insufficient and wiring becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independently installed electronic devices (audio device, air conditioning control device, digital clock, navigation device) are merged into a single integrated interface module located in the center fascia. This consolidation reduces wiring complexity by eliminating separate communication lines for each device while maintaining the ability to control each function separately through the unified module.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface module serves multiple functions simultaneously, acting as a universal control unit for audio, air conditioning, clock, and navigation devices. This multi-functional approach allows the single module to replace multiple separate control devices, optimizing package space while providing differentiated control capabilities for each function through a standardized interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are independently installed in the center fascia, then each device can function autonomously, but the package space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic devices that were previously installed as separate units occupying individual spaces in the center fascia are merged into a single integrated interface module. This consolidation significantly reduces the total volume required in the center fascia while maintaining all original device functionalities through the unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface module employs a nested structure where multiple functional units (audio control, air conditioning control, clock display, navigation control) are contained within a single modular housing. This nesting approach allows multiple device functions to coexist in a compact form factor, optimizing the use of available package space in the center fascia.
3Device complexity
If an entirely integrated HMI module (center stack) is used, then package space is improved and wiring is simplified, but various requirements for each vehicle model and region cannot be sufficiently satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated interface module is segmented into multiple independent functional units (audio device interface, air conditioning control interface, digital clock interface, navigation device interface), each capable of being selectively activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to be configured differently for each vehicle model and region by enabling or disabling specific functions, while maintaining the benefits of integration for space and wiring optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface module employs a dynamic configuration capability where the functionality and interface characteristics can be adjusted based on the specific vehicle model, size class, and regional requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical module to provide differentiated HMI experiences across different market segments without requiring complete redesigns, thus satisfying both integration benefits and model-specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing an integrated module in a human machine interface (HMI) module in a vehicle includes sensing a switch input signal on a center fascia panel, identifying a switch type based on the sensed switch input signal, identifying an input signal corresponding to the sensed switch input signal and the identified switch type, and identifying an output signal corresponding to the identified input signal, and transmitting the identified output signal to an associated main controller through a communication network in the vehicle.