Detachable Knob Stacking for Vehicle Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of vehicle control systems due to diverse electronic functions and larger displays in vehicles necessitates a more intuitive method for controlling various functions, as existing central control point-based systems are cumbersome and speech recognition is less frequently used by passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle function control apparatus and method utilizing detachable knobs with wireless communication and attachment units, allowing for the stacking and data exchange of multiple knobs to control different functions, simplifying user interaction through a reduced number of switches and intuitive dial-based manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central control point-based three menu structure is used to control vehicle functions, then various functions can be controlled, but the manipulation system becomes complicated with many manipulation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control zones (upper, middle, lower areas) that can be independently accessed. Each zone can handle specific functions, allowing complex vehicle controls to be divided into simpler, location-based operations rather than requiring deep menu navigation through a centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to control by dividing the display into multiple vertical zones (upper, middle, lower areas). Instead of navigating through multiple menu levels in a single dimension, users can access different functions by interacting with different spatial zones, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the control interface that reduces manipulation steps.
2Area of stationary object
If the display size is increased to show more information, then more vehicle functions and content can be displayed, but the manipulation system becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The enlarged display is segmented into multiple independent control zones (upper, middle, lower areas), each capable of independent interaction. This segmentation allows the large display to present comprehensive information while maintaining simple manipulation by assigning specific functions to specific zones, preventing the need for complex navigation across the entire display area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the display are assigned different functional qualities - the upper area for specific functions, the middle area for others, and the lower area for additional controls. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific purpose, enabling a large display to provide diverse functions without requiring a unified complex manipulation system.
3Ease of operation
If speech recognition function is provided, then manipulation steps are simplified, but the frequency of use is significantly reduced when there is a passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent zones that can be operated simultaneously or independently. This allows different users (driver and passenger) to control different functions through different zones at the same time, eliminating the need for speech recognition workarounds and maintaining high usage frequency even when passengers are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-zone control system provides universal accessibility to both driver and passenger, allowing either user to independently control various vehicle functions through their preferred zone. This multi-functional access approach makes the system adaptable to different user scenarios, maintaining ease of operation and high usage frequency regardless of passenger presence.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle function control apparatus and method control various vehicle functions. A control method of an integrated manipulation unit may include: establishing a first data path with a first detachable knob attached to a first attachment position among at least one attachment position provided in an attachment unit; transmitting information on a first function to be controlled corresponding to the first attachment position to the first detachable knob through the first data path; establishing a second data path with a second detachable knob stacked on the first detachable knob; and transmitting information on a second function to be controlled corresponding to the first attachment position to the second detachable knob through the second data path.