External Vehicle Control Interface for Short-Distance Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when frequently entering and exiting a vehicle to move it short distances, especially during outdoor activities, leading to a desire for a system that allows vehicle movement without repeated entry and exit.
Innovation Solution
A removably attachable interface to a vehicle exterior surface, equipped with sensors and actuators, enables users to control vehicle movement and steering from outside the vehicle, using pressure sensors and rotary position sensing elements to transmit user inputs to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user enters and exits the vehicle frequently to move it short distances, then the vehicle can be moved precisely, but the user convenience deteriorates due to repeated entry and exit
Solution Approach 1:
An external interface device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle's control system. This interface includes sensors (pressure sensors, rotary position sensors) and actuators that transmit user inputs to the vehicle without requiring physical entry. The interface acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between external user operation and internal vehicle control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically entering the vehicle and operating internal controls with an external interface system using sensors and wireless communication. Pressure sensors detect user input forces, rotary position sensors detect steering wheel rotation, and these mechanical inputs are converted to electronic signals transmitted to the vehicle's control unit, eliminating the need for mechanical entry and internal operation.
2Ease of operation
If an external interface is added to enable remote vehicle control, then user convenience improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external interface is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated device. It includes pressure sensors for detecting forward/backward movement commands, rotary position sensors for steering control, and wireless communication capabilities for transmitting all control signals. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into one universal interface unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system incorporates self-contained sensor units that automatically detect user inputs and generate appropriate control signals without requiring additional processing or intervention. The pressure sensors and rotary position sensors are self-activating, and the wireless transmission occurs automatically upon detection, reducing the need for complex control logic and manual system management.
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
The interface allows convenient and efficient movement of vehicles over short distances without entering the vehicle, enhancing user experience in outdoor activities by reducing the need for frequent vehicle entry and exit.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit may include one or more pressure sensors that may receive the user inputs associated with the vehicle longitudinal movement and may cause the vehicle movement based on the pressure applied by the user on the pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
The sensor unit may additionally or alternatively receive the user inputs associated with the vehicle steering wheel rotation based on a rotary position sensing element of the sensor unit
Data Source
AI summary
An interface configured to be removably attached to a vehicle exterior surface is disclosed. The interface may include a sensor unit configured to receive user inputs associated with at least one of a vehicle longitudinal movement and a vehicle steering wheel rotation. The interface may further include an interface communication module communicatively coupled with the sensor unit. The interface communication module may be configured to communicatively couple with a vehicle communication module when the interface may be attached to the vehicle exterior surface. The interface communication module may further obtain the user inputs from the sensor unit when the interface communication module may be coupled with the vehicle communication module, and transmit the user inputs to the vehicle communication module to cause a vehicle movement based on the user inputs.