Force-Associated Variable Scroll Speed Switch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive sense touchscreen technologies in vehicles are distracting for drivers due to requiring significant visual engagement, while mechanical switches offer limited flexibility in controlling multiple functions.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with axially arranged printed circuit boards, force sensors, a haptic feedback system, and a touch overlay plate that provides feedback and allows control of multiple functions with minimal footprint, reducing driver distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive sense touchscreen technologies are used, then control flexibility is improved, but driver distraction increases due to requiring significant visual engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional capacitive touchscreen technology with a mechanical switch assembly that includes a touch-sensitive membrane and force sensors. This mechanical substitution allows the system to detect touch inputs through physical force sensing rather than capacitive sensing, providing tactile feedback without requiring visual engagement, thus reducing driver distraction while maintaining control flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a haptic feedback system that provides tactile response to driver inputs through the membrane and force sensors. This feedback mechanism allows drivers to receive confirmation of their inputs through touch rather than visual cues, reducing the need for visual engagement with the control interface and thereby reducing driver distraction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical switches are used, then driver distraction is reduced, but control flexibility is limited with each switch controlling a single function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface where a single mechanical switch assembly with force sensors can detect and differentiate multiple input forces (pressing, sliding, tapping) to control various vehicle functions. The force sensors can distinguish between different magnitudes and directions of applied force, allowing one physical switch to perform multiple control functions rather than requiring separate switches for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic force sensing capabilities where the system can detect and respond to different types of mechanical inputs (static press, dynamic slide, quick tap) on the same membrane surface. This dynamic response allows the single mechanical switch assembly to adaptively control multiple functions based on the nature of the applied force, increasing control flexibility without adding multiple physical switches
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are controlled with a single switch assembly, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated switch assembly where the membrane, force sensors, and haptic feedback mechanisms work together as one unified component. This consolidation allows multiple vehicle functions to be controlled through one physical interface rather than requiring multiple separate switches, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining control flexibility
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 switch assembly provides sufficient feedback and flexibility to control multiple vehicle systems without requiring the driver to remove their eyes from the road, enhancing safety by minimizing visual distraction and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A force sensor disposed on one of the PCBs provides feedback in response to receiving force input
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations include methods of controlling a haptic response comprising receiving a force signal from a force sensor; determining a force magnitude associated with the force signal; comparing the force magnitude with an initial threshold force amount to determine whether the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; measuring an elapsed time that the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; comparing the elapsed time to a minimum elapsed time; if the elapsed time being greater than the minimum elapsed time, generating a haptic feedback control signal, the haptic feedback control signal causing a haptic actuator to propagate a plurality of pressure waves at a propagation frequency, the propagation frequency being proportional to the force magnitude; and generating a scroll control signal that causes a menu system to scroll through a plurality of menu options provided by the menu system at a scroll frequency associated with the propagation frequency.