Force-Based Haptic Switch Panel for Vehicle Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touchscreen technologies in vehicles are distracting for drivers due to the need for visual engagement, while mechanical switches lack flexibility, and existing force-based haptic human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are prone to accidental touches and require significant packaging space for multi-sensory feedback.
Innovation Solution
A force-based haptic switch panel with a touch plate, circuit board, and acoustic actuator that measures force applied to the touch surface, providing localized input detection and multi-sensory feedback, including haptic and audible outputs, to minimize accidental inputs and reduce packaging size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional capacitive sense touchscreen technologies are used, then a large amount of functionality can be incorporated in a limited space, but visual engagement is required which is too distracting for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional capacitive touchscreen technology with force-based haptic technology. The haptic switch panel uses force sensors to detect physical pressure applied to the touch surface, eliminating the need for visual engagement while maintaining multifunctional capabilities. This substitution allows drivers to interact with vehicle controls through tactile feedback without removing their eyes from the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-sensory feedback including audible feedback through acoustic actuators and haptic feedback through vibration motors. This feedback mechanism confirms user inputs through non-visual senses, allowing drivers to verify their selections without visual engagement. The feedback system addresses the limitation of force-based technology by providing confirmation that drivers can perceive through hearing and touch rather than sight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional mechanical switches and knobs are used, then driver distraction is reduced, but flexibility is limited with each switch controlling a single function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a force-based haptic switch panel where a single touch surface can detect multiple force inputs corresponding to different functions. The system uses force sensors to distinguish between different pressure levels, locations, and patterns on the touch surface, allowing one physical component to control multiple vehicle functions such as climate control, navigation, and audio settings. This universal interface replaces numerous individual mechanical switches while maintaining tactile interaction benefits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If force-based haptic HMIs are used, then driver safety is improved by allowing attentive operation, but accidental touches are much more common
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs threshold-based force detection where only forces exceeding a predetermined threshold are registered as valid inputs. This partial action principle filters out minor accidental touches such as incidental contact while still detecting intentional user inputs. The system requires a minimum level of applied force to trigger a response, thereby reducing false positives from accidental contact while maintaining responsiveness to deliberate user actions.
4Reliability
If multiple sensory feedback capabilities are included, then effectiveness in situations where users cannot focus on HMI is improved, but packaging area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensory feedback capabilities into a single compact switch panel assembly. The acoustic actuators and vibration motors are embedded within the same housing as the force sensors and touch surface, sharing common structural support and control electronics. This merging of multiple feedback mechanisms into one unified component achieves multi-sensory confirmation while minimizing the overall packaging footprint compared to separate feedback devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the acoustic actuators and vibration motors are positioned within or adjacent to the force sensor assembly. The feedback components are arranged to utilize the same spatial envelope as the sensing elements, with shared mounting structures and control circuits. This nesting arrangement allows multiple feedback capabilities to coexist in a compact configuration that minimizes packaging area while maintaining input accuracy.
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 solution allows for flexible, safe, and efficient control of vehicle functions without visual distraction, reducing accidental inputs and optimizing packaging space through localized input detection and multi-sensory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic actuator disposed proximate a second surface of the touch plate and configured to generate a haptic output and an audible output responsive to the force applied to the touch surface
Implementation Method 2
a circuit board having a plurality of force sensors electrically coupled thereto, the force sensors disposed between the circuit board and the second surface of the touch plate, wherein each force sensor is configured to measure a respective portion of a force applied to the touch surface
Data Source
AI summary
A force-based haptic switch panel, comprising a touch plate having first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising a touch surface and the second surface opposing the first surface. The haptic switch panel may also comprise a circuit board having a plurality of force sensors electrically coupled thereto. The force sensors are disposed between the circuit board and the second surface of the touch plate, wherein each force sensor is configured to measure a respective portion of a force applied to the touch surface of the touch plate. The haptic switch panel may also comprise an acoustic actuator disposed proximate a second surface of the touch plate and configured to generate a haptic output and an audible output responsive to the force applied to the touch surface.