Dockable Vehicle HMI Widgets for Configurable Tactile Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many modern vehicles lack customizable tactile controls, failing to meet user preferences for hardware interaction alongside touch-based interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular programmable widget system for vehicles, comprising a front housing, back housing, and contact pads for electrical connection, allowing for mechanical attachment and data/power transmission, with a widget controller and HMI display system for configuration and function assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional analog gauges are used in vehicles, then users have fixed tactile controls, but the system lacks configurability and adaptability to different user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI system is divided into multiple independent physical control modules (widgets) that can be individually configured, attached, and removed. Each widget represents a segmented functional unit, allowing the system to provide customizable tactile controls without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static analog gauges to dynamic digital displays with programmable physical controls. The HMI display system can change its configuration, and physical controls can be repositioned and reprogrammed, making the system adaptable to different user preferences and driving conditions.
2Ease of operation
If electronic displays with configurable interfaces are used, then adaptability improves, but users lack tactile feedback and hardware interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges tactile physical controls with digital display technology. Each physical control module integrates both tactile feedback mechanisms (buttons, knobs, switches) and digital interface capabilities, allowing users to interact through touch while maintaining configurability through the HMI display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical control modules are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to be attached to multiple locations and configured for various functions. The same hardware module can serve different purposes based on programming, providing multi-functionality and customizability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed physical controls are implemented, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user preferences and diverse interaction needs cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing custom controls for each configuration, the system uses standardized, pre-manufactured physical control modules that can be programmed and positioned differently. This segmentation allows mass production of uniform modules while achieving customization through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains manufacturing simplicity by producing standardized modules, then achieves diversity through parameter changes in software programming and physical positioning. The same hardware module can be configured for different functions by changing its programmed parameters rather than manufacturing different hardware variants.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular physical controls are added to vehicles, then configurability and tactile interaction improve, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the HMI into independent, self-contained modules that can be individually installed and configured. This reduces integration complexity by allowing incremental deployment and independent troubleshooting of each module rather than managing a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules use universal attachment interfaces and communication protocols, simplifying integration across different vehicle platforms. The standardized interfaces reduce the complexity of installation and system integration while maintaining high configurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular programmable widget for a vehicle includes a front housing and a back housing defining an enclosure; one or more physical controls provided on a front face of the enclosure; a contact pad exposed by the enclosure for electrical connection to a dock, the contact pad providing for transmission of data and power between the modular programmable widget and the dock; and one or more features for mechanical connection and securing of the modular programmable widget to the dock.