Fluid-Actuated Vehicle Switch for Thin Haptic Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operating devices with mechanical components require precise dimension coordination, are deep due to numerous components, and lack haptic feedback, while capacitive devices fail to provide tactile feedback and may not evaluate rapid capacitance changes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An operating device using a fluid to transmit actuation pressure from an operator's input to an electrical switch, allowing for a thin design, frictionless power transmission, and haptic feedback, with the option to position the switch independently of the actuation point, and featuring a flexible, partially transparent control element for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable mechanical element (e.g., plunger) is used to transmit actuation pressure, then the actuation pressure can be transmitted mechanically, but the device has a large number of components that require precise coordination, increasing manufacturing difficulty and overall depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical plunger-based pressure transmission system with a fluid-based transmission system. The operating element is surrounded by a fluid (liquid, gas, or gel) that transmits the actuation pressure directly to the switch, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical components such as plungers, bearings, and guides. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic principles by using a fluid medium to transmit the actuation pressure from the operating element to the switch. The fluid is contained in a closed space and transmits pressure uniformly in all directions, enabling efficient force transmission without mechanical contact. This approach eliminates friction and wear associated with mechanical components while reducing the overall number of parts required.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical components are coordinated for pressure transmission, then actuation can be achieved, but very small deviations in component dimensions from nominal dimension can be permitted only with difficulty in production
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical component system with a fluid-based system, the patent eliminates the need for precise dimensional coordination between multiple parts. The fluid transmission does not depend on tight tolerances between mechanical surfaces, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable pressure transmission.
3Reliability
If mechanical components are used for pressure transmission, then the system can function, but the overall depth of the device increases due to the large number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-based transmission system allows for a more compact device design compared to mechanical systems. The fluid can transmit pressure through curved or angled paths, enabling the switch to be positioned closer to the operating element without requiring additional mechanical linkages. This reduces the overall depth of the device while maintaining full pressure transmission functionality.
4Device complexity
If capacitive operating devices are used, then the device structure can be simplified, but the operator does not receive any haptic feedback when operating the device
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-based system provides haptic feedback through direct fluid pressure transmission. When the operating element is actuated, the fluid pressure changes are immediately transmitted to the switch and can be felt by the operator's finger, providing tactile feedback similar to mechanical systems. This maintains ease of operation with intuitive haptic response while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure system inherently provides force feedback to the operator during operation. As the operator presses the operating element, the fluid transmits the resistance force back to the operator's finger, creating natural haptic feedback. This feedback mechanism is built into the pressure transmission system itself, eliminating the need for separate feedback components.
5Reliability
If mechanical components with friction are used for pressure transmission, then the system can function, but wear occurs over time reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical contact-based pressure transmission with fluid-based transmission, the patent eliminates friction and wear between moving parts. The fluid transmits pressure without physical contact between solid components, significantly extending the service life of the device while maintaining reliable pressure transmission over time.
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 fluid-based system enables a compact, durable, and user-friendly operating device that provides haptic feedback, allows flexible placement of the switch, and enhances visual appeal, enabling efficient and intuitive operation without the need for additional guides or bearings.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission means comprise a fluid for transmitting the actuation pressure
Implementation Method 2
a medium in which, when a pressure is exerted from outside, the same pressure prevails at every point of this fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (1) for a vehicle, comprising an operating element (2) that can be actuated by an operator, an electric switch (8) which can be actuated in accordance with the operating element (2) being actuated, and transmission means (3, 6) for transmitting an actuation pressure from the operating element (2) to the switch (8), said transmission means (3, 6) comprising a fluid (3) for transmitting the actuation pressure.