Vehicle Control Knob With Switchable Tactile Feedback Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a control knob that can efficiently manage both closed-loop and open-loop systems in motor vehicles with a single interface, reducing user distraction and providing precise adjustments with distinct touch-related feedbacks to simplify comfort control within the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A control knob with a rotor and actuator system that selectively changes configurations to provide different tactile feedbacks for closed-loop and open-loop system adjustments, using a combination of springs, toothing, and an electromagnet to allow for sequential snaps and continuous sliding motions, allowing the user to control multiple systems with reduced overall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single control knob is used to control both closed-loop and open-loop systems, then the overall dimensions are reduced and user distraction is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple control modes and feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control knob is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both closed-loop and open-loop systems through a single interface. The actuator can selectively engage different control modes (first configuration for closed-loop with sequential snaps, second configuration for open-loop with continuous motion), allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require separate controls for different system types.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism incorporates dynamic characteristics by providing different tactile feedback modes based on the control configuration. The actuator can switch between producing sequential snaps (closed-loop) and allowing continuous sliding motion (open-loop), enabling the system to adapt its behavior dynamically based on operational requirements while maintaining a compact single-knob form factor.
2Measurement precision
If different touch-related feedbacks are provided for precise adjustment, then the user can immediately distinguish between different control modes, but the device complexity increases due to multiple feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control knob incorporates distinct tactile feedback mechanisms for different control modes. In closed-loop mode, the actuator produces sequential snaps that provide discrete positional feedback to the user. In open-loop mode, the actuator allows continuous sliding motion providing smooth feedback. These differentiated feedback characteristics enable users to immediately distinguish between control modes and achieve precise adjustments through intuitive tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism provides different tactile qualities (sequential snaps vs. continuous motion) in different operational configurations. This local differentiation of feedback characteristics allows the single knob to convey mode-specific information through touch, enabling precise control without requiring additional feedback devices or increasing overall system 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
The solution enables precise and intuitive control of both closed-loop and open-loop systems with a single knob, reducing user distraction and simplifying comfort adjustments, while minimizing the knob's size and layout impact in the passenger compartment.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet arranged radially inside the rotor and selectively engageable or disengageable by an actuator (30)
Implementation Method 2
the rotor (25) and the support (20) sequentially snap in a plurality of consecutive positions, when the actuator (30) is arranged in said first configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A control knob (16) for a motor vehicle (1) is described, the former comprising a rotor (25) that can rotate around an axis (A); a fixed body (20); a member (80); and an actuator (30) selectively movable between a first configuration, in which it allows said rotor (25) and said member (80) to rotate relative to the body (20) around the axis (A), and a second configuration, in which it exerts a braking torque upon the member (80); a first element (49) and a second element (50, 51) interacting with one another, in a snapping manner, in a plurality of consecutive positions, when the actuator (30) is arranged in the first configuration, so as to provide a first touch-related feedback; the knob (16) comprises a third element (60), a profile (62) extending crosswise to the third element (60); and a fourth elastic element (61) connecting the third element (60) and the profile (60, 62) to said rotor (25); the third element, the fourth elastic element and the profile (60, 61, 62) can rotate together with the rotor (25) and the member (80) in an integral manner, when the actuator (30) is arranged in the first configuration; the third element (60) slides on the profile (62) to provide a single second touch-related feedback, when the actuator (30) is arranged in said second configuration.