Vehicle Dash Switch Module Haptic Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heavy-duty vehicle air brake systems with electrical switch assemblies on the dash provide limited feedback to operators, lacking the mechanical confirmation provided by mechanical pneumatic push-pull control valves, which can impact driver comfort and convenience due to complex airtight connections and space consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dash switch module incorporating an operator interface device with both haptic and visual feedback devices that provide distinct patterns of vibration and lighting to confirm successful operation of the parking brake system, using control signals from an electronic control unit to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical pneumatic push-pull control valves are mounted on the dash instrument panel, then mechanical feedback is provided to confirm status changes, but critical dash space is consumed and complex airtight connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback function from the mechanical pneumatic valve and relocates it to an electrical switch assembly mounted on the dash. The electrical switch provides haptic feedback through a button mechanism and visual feedback through LEDs, separating the feedback function from the complex pneumatic connection system while maintaining confirmation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic push-pull valve system with an electrical switch assembly. The electrical switch uses electrical signals and electronic components (LEDs, haptic actuators) to provide feedback, substituting the mechanical feedback mechanism with electrical and sensory-based feedback while reducing dash mounting complexity
2Device complexity
If electrical switch assemblies are mounted on the dash, then dash space is reduced and installation is simplified, but feedback to the operator is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feedback mechanisms into the electrical switch assembly: haptic feedback through the button mechanism, visual feedback through integrated LEDs, and auditory feedback through the vehicle's audio system. This combination compensates for the loss of mechanical feedback while maintaining simplified electrical mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple feedback channels (haptic, visual, auditory) to ensure the operator receives confirmation of status changes. The system provides real-time feedback through illuminated LEDs that change color and pattern, and through haptic resistance changes in the button, ensuring reliability without requiring complex mechanical connections
3Reliability
If mechanical feedback is provided through pneumatic valve pop-out, then status confirmation is achieved, but driver comfort may be reduced due to forcible contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the forcible mechanical pop-out feedback with gentle haptic feedback through the electrical switch button and soft visual feedback through LEDs. This substitution eliminates the harmful effect of forcible contact with the driver's hand while maintaining reliable status confirmation through multiple sensory channels
Data Source
AI summary
A dash switch module includes an operator interface device, a haptic feedback device associated with the operator interface device, and a visual feedback device associated with the operator interface device. The haptic feedback device provides a first haptic feedback if an operator's intended action is achieved via the operator interface device. The visual feedback device provides a first visual feedback if the operator's intended action is achieved via the operator interface device.