Vehicle Control Member Using Shape Memory Material Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for motor vehicles lack simplicity and provide no feedback to users regarding command acknowledgment, often requiring complex shape modification sequences and integrated protrusion architectures without confirming command reception.
Innovation Solution
A control member with a movable outer face using shape memory materials that transitions from a rest position to a command-acknowledged position upon user input detection, utilizing capacitive sensors and shape-memory elements to provide visual feedback through movement or illumination, allowing the control face to both detect and indicate command acceptance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a complex shape modification sequence with integrated protrusion architecture is used, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and user feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control interface function and the feedback indication function into a single integrated control member. The outer face serves both as the control input surface and as the visual feedback indicator, eliminating the need for separate feedback mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while providing clear command acknowledgment to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism where the outer face changes its appearance (through shape memory material activation) to indicate to the user that a control command has been registered. This closed-loop feedback system confirms command acknowledgment and eliminates the information loss present in conventional systems
2Ease of operation
If protruding control interfaces are integrated into the board, then control functionality is provided, but the device complexity increases due to the integrated protrusion architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs shape memory materials that can dynamically change their shape in response to electrical stimulation. The outer face transitions between a first shape (for control input) and a second shape (for feedback indication), allowing the control interface to adapt its configuration without mechanical complexity or protruding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state and shape of the shape memory material to achieve control interface functionality. By controlling temperature, electrical current, or other parameters, the outer face can transition between different shapes to provide both control input and visual feedback without requiring complex mechanical architectures
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 simplifies the control device design, provides user feedback on command acknowledgment, and maintains a sleek, non-protruding appearance by using shape-memory materials to move the control face after detecting user input, enhancing user interaction and vehicle control integration.
Implementation Method 1
the control member comprises at least one element with a shape memory material arranged to cause the external face to pass from the first position to the second position when the control action is taken into account
Implementation Method 2
an outer face arranged to detect proximity with a member of a user
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a control member of a vehicle device, having: - an outer surface designed to detect a control action, characterized in that: - said outer surface is designed to be movable between at least a first position and at least a second position; - and in that the control member comprises at least one element having a shape memory material designed to change the outer surface from the first into the second position.