Cushioned Vehicle Remote Control Using Sensor-Based Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cushioned remote control units, such as pillows or plush toys, face challenges in providing stable button presentation and accessibility, especially for children, due to deformation when buttons are pressed on soft surfaces and difficulties in triggering sensors with insufficient strength or small hands.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic circuit within a cushioned carrier body, equipped with sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers, allows remote control signals to be triggered by moving the entire unit, featuring a manual input unit, display via LEDs, and communication protocols like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with a salient part for user input and a charging system for inductive charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buttons are integrated into a soft cushion surface, then the remote control unit becomes comfortable and safe for users (including children), but the buttons become unstable and change position when pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with sensor-based detection. Instead of physical buttons that deform the cushion, the system uses pressure sensors, infrared sensors, or other non-mechanical sensing methods to detect user input, eliminating the stability problem while maintaining comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor technology as an intermediary between the user and the electronic circuit. The sensors detect user intent without requiring direct mechanical contact with unstable button elements, allowing the soft cushion to remain stable while still enabling control
2Use of energy by moving object
If a pressure sensor is used to detect presence, then energy consumption is reduced in stand-by mode, but children cannot trigger the sensor with insufficient hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple sensor types (pressure sensors, infrared sensors, and other sensing technologies) that can detect different forms of user interaction. This multi-functional sensing approach ensures that children can trigger the remote control through various methods such as hand warmth detection or light reflection, not just pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters of the sensors to be more sensitive to child users. Infrared sensors can detect the warmth of small hands, and the system can adjust sensitivity thresholds to accommodate weaker interaction forces while maintaining energy-efficient stand-by mode
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electronic circuit is fully integrated into the cushion material, then the remote control unit becomes soft and safe, but the electronic parts lack stability for reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the remote control unit. The carrier body uses soft cushion material for safety, while the electronic circuit board and critical components are positioned in localized stable regions where the cushion material provides sufficient support for reliable electronic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the remote control unit into distinct functional zones: soft cushion areas for user contact and safety, and stabilized electronic zones for reliable circuit operation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its properties without compromising the whole system
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
Enables intuitive operation of remote control functions without needing to press buttons, ensuring safety during crashes and providing entertainment for children, while maintaining comfort and flexibility in use, including autonomous driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit is designed to sense and signal an acceleration and/or spatial orientation (e.g. up/down) of the remote control unit. The sensor unit may comprise, for example, a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer for sensing the spatial orientation and/or the acceleration of the remote control unit.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor unit may comprise, for example, a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer for sensing the spatial orientation and/or the acceleration of the remote control unit.
Implementation Method 3
The electronic circuit may also comprise a battery for powering the electronic circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is concerned with a cushioned remote control unit (12) for a vehicle (11), the remote control unit (12) comprising an electronic circuit (13) for generating at least one remote control signal (16), wherein the electronic circuit (13) is integrated into a carrier body (14) that comprises a cushion material (15) that covers at least a part of the electronic circuit (13). The invention is characterized in that the electronic circuit (13) comprises a sensor unit (S) that is designed to sense and signal an acceleration and/or spatial orientation of the remote control unit (12), wherein the electronic circuit (13) is designed to trigger at least one of the at least one remote control signal (16) in dependence on a sensor signal (34) of the sensor unit (S).