Vehicle Control Bar Mounting for Consistent Actuation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Long control panels in vehicle control units deform before actuation, requiring complex sensors and design efforts to ensure consistent kinematics, leading to increased mechanical and assembly challenges.

Innovation Solution

A control unit with a movable control bar and a support element, featuring a bearing device with elastically torsionable struts and sensors to ensure consistent actuation detection, allowing for simpler mounting and consistent kinematics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the control panel is made relatively long to enable the greatest possible number of functions, then the number of operating functions increases, but the mechanical and design effort required to ensure consistent kinematics increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operating functionsVSAvoidmechanical and design effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is segmented into multiple control fields arranged side by side along the longitudinal extension, with each field independently actuatable. This segmentation allows multiple functions to be provided on a compact panel without requiring excessive length, as each segment can be operated independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the control panel lengthwise to add more functions, the patent arranges control fields in a compact longitudinal configuration and uses the bearing device to enable movement in another dimension (between rest position and actuation position), thereby providing multiple functions without increasing overall panel length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control panel is made relatively long to accommodate more control fields, then more functions can be operated, but the control panel deforms before sufficient actuation force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of control fieldsVSAvoidactuation detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A bearing device is introduced as an intermediary between the control panel and the housing. This bearing device comprises elastic bearing elements that absorb and distribute actuation forces, preventing deformation of the control panel while enabling reliable detection of valid actuation. The bearing device mediates between the user's input and the control panel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing device changes the mechanical parameters of the control panel system by introducing elastic bearing elements with specific stiffness characteristics. These elements are designed to remain substantially undeformed during normal operation but undergo controlled deformation only when a valid actuation is detected, thereby distinguishing between accidental touches and intentional inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple force and displacement sensors are distributed along the control strip to compensate for deformation, then valid actuation can be detected reliably, but design and assembly effort increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation detection reliabilityVSAvoiddesign and assembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing device combines multiple bearing elements into a single integrated structure that is arranged in the housing for movable bearing of the support element. This merging of multiple bearing functions into one device reduces design and assembly complexity compared to distributing multiple sensors along the control strip, while still providing reliable actuation detection through the collective behavior of the bearing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a control unit with simplified assembly and consistent actuation detection, reducing mechanical and design complexity while maintaining reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

each rear bearing element has an elastically torsionable strut with a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to an imaginary connecting line between the two lateral ends of the operating strip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic torsion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one front bearing element which interacts with the end of the support element facing the operating strip and/or with the operating strip and is elastically designed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4467376B1Operating unit for a vehicle, in particular for operating one or more components of the vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 BEHRN-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH

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AI summary

The control unit for a vehicle has a housing (12) with a control panel (18) on its front (14). The control panel (18) is held in the housing by a support element (24), which is elastically mounted at its rear end and in its front region in or on the housing (12). For this purpose, a rear mounting element (30) at the rear end of the support element (24) has an elastic, torsionally flexible strut (38). This strut (38) runs essentially parallel to an imaginary connecting line (44) between the lateral ends (22) of the control panel (18).