Six-Axis Force-Sensing Stick Control for Fewer Vehicle Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operation systems for vehicles with many operation switches complicate driver interactions, leading to difficulty in locating switches and increased risk due to eye diversion from the road.
Innovation Solution
A simplified operation system utilizing a six-axis force sensor with a stick body to transmit forces and moments, detected by a control section to generate operation signals, reducing the number of switches and allowing intuitive control without eye diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many operation switches are set up in passenger vehicles, then the functionality and control options are improved, but the device complexity and area required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stick body is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect pushing forces in various directions (up, down, left, right), twisting moments, and pressing forces. A single stick body replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate switches, allowing one component to control multiple functions and reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single stick body component. The force sensor integrates detection of forces in multiple directions and moments into one unified sensing element, combining what would traditionally be separate switches into a single multi-functional operation device
2Adaptability or versatility
If operation switches are located far from the steering wheel, then the layout flexibility is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to driver eye diversion
Solution Approach 1:
The stick body acts as an intermediary control mechanism that can be positioned on the steering wheel or nearby, allowing drivers to operate controls without reaching far away. The force sensor detects forces applied to the stick body, enabling control of distant functions through a localized interface that maintains driver focus on the road
3Device complexity
If a six-axis force sensor with stick body is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor detects multiple parameters simultaneously (forces in six directions, moments in three directions) and the control section processes these parameter changes to determine operation intent. By monitoring changes in multiple force parameters at once, the system achieves precise direction detection with a single integrated sensor rather than multiple separate switches
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 system reduces the complexity and number of operation switches, enabling drivers to control in-vehicle equipment with fewer switches and maintaining focus on the road by using a force sensor and stick body configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor; and a stick body configured to transmit, to a strain element of the force sensor, force or moment which has been received
Data Source
AI summary
An operation system includes: a force sensor; and a stick body configured to transmit, to a strain element of the force sensor, force or moment which has been received; and a control section configured to detect a direction of the force or moment received by the stick body, on the basis of an output of the force sensor, and to generate an operation signal for an object to be operated in accordance with the direction detected.