Deformable Touch Panel Interface for Gaze-Free Vehicle Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current human-machine interface devices for vehicles do not allow drivers to easily control on-board systems while maintaining focus on driving, as they require visual attention and complex interactions.

Innovation Solution

A resiliently deformable touch panel with actuators behind it, forming bumps on the surface to create customizable control elements like buttons, cursors, or dials, allowing tactile interaction without diverting gaze, and sensors for detection, adaptable based on user mental load and system requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional touch interfaces are used, then visual interaction is possible, but driver attention is diverted from the road

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface dynamically changes its tactile configuration based on driving conditions and user needs. Actuators adjust the shape, position, and properties of control elements in real-time, transforming the static interface into a dynamic system that adapts to contextual requirements while maintaining driver focus on the road

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Tactile control elements serve as intermediaries between the driver and the vehicle's digital systems. These physical interfaces mediate complex digital interactions through simple tactile feedback, allowing drivers to control infotainment, climate, and navigation systems without visual attention, thus prioritizing driving safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed control elements are provided, then comprehensive control is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A small array of actuators performs multiple functions by dynamically configuring tactile control elements. The same physical actuators can create buttons, sliders, cursors, or other control types depending on the driving context, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controls for each function and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface structure transitions from static to dynamic, where control elements are temporarily formed and dissolved based on operational needs. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a limited number of actuators to provide comprehensive control functionality across multiple systems without requiring a complex fixed layout of controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If tactile control elements are added, then gaze-free interaction is enabled, but touch panel complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile interaction capabilityVSAvoidtouch panel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible touch panel with integrated sensors and actuators provides tactile feedback without requiring bulky mechanical components. The thin-film construction allows the panel to deform elastically under actuator influence, creating tactile control elements while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical tactile interfaces are replaced with an electro-mechanical system where electronic actuators deform the flexible touch panel to create tactile feedback. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and moving parts, reducing structural complexity while maintaining tactile interaction capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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, gaze-free control of vehicle systems, reducing driver distraction by providing tactile feedback and adaptable interfaces based on user availability and mental load, enhancing safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

each actuator is a dielectric elastomer actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric elastomer actuation: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

the touch panel being resiliently deformable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12124665B2Human-machine interface device and vehicle comprising such a human-machine interface device

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 FAURECIA INTERIEUR IND

AI summary

A human-machine interface device includes a touch panel having a front surface intended to be visible to a user and a rear surface, the touch panel being configured to detect an interaction of the user with the touch panel and being resiliently deformable, and a plurality of actuators arranged behind the touch panel, each actuator being controllable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration wherein the actuator deforms an area of the touch panel located opposite the actuator by forming a bump protruding from the front surface of the touch panel. The human-machine interface device has at least one configuration wherein several actuators in the extended position together define a single control element protruding from the front surface of the touch panel.