Haptic Control Surface with Variable Stiffness Dampers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices with haptic feedback in motor vehicles often rely on a single actuator for transmitting vibrations across the entire surface, leading to attenuation as the distance from the actuator increases, resulting in suboptimal user feedback, especially in night driving or blind operations.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a sensitive touch surface connected to a support through multiple areas, each equipped with dampers that vary in stiffness, thickness, or number based on distance from the actuator, creating a proximal suspension that is less stiff than the distal suspension to amplify vibrations and ensure consistent haptic feedback across the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to transmit haptic feedback over the entire control surface, then cost is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but haptic feedback becomes attenuated as distance from the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different suspension stiffness characteristics at different locations on the control surface. The proximal suspension (near the actuator) has lower stiffness to allow greater vibration transmission, while the distal suspension (far from the actuator) has higher stiffness to compensate for natural attenuation. This spatial variation in suspension properties ensures uniform haptic feedback perception across the entire control surface despite using only one actuator.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the control surface is rigidly connected to the support, then structural stability is improved, but haptic feedback transmission is reduced due to vibration damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension system adjustable rather than fixed. The suspension stiffness can be modified by changing the compression of the elastic element through adjustment means, allowing the system to adapt between providing sufficient vibration transmission for haptic feedback and maintaining adequate structural stability. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between rigid connection benefits and vibration transmission requirements.
3Strength
If the proximal suspension is made stiffer to improve structural support near the actuator, then structural strength is improved, but haptic feedback transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different suspension stiffness characteristics at different locations. The proximal suspension near the actuator has lower stiffness to maximize vibration transmission efficiency, while the distal suspension farther from the actuator has higher stiffness to provide adequate structural support and compensate for attenuation. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between local structural strength requirements and overall vibration transmission efficiency.
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
This configuration optimizes the transmission of haptic feedback over the entire control surface, enhancing user perception by compensating for natural attenuation and providing effective feedback even at greater distances from the actuator, thus improving user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
actuators, such as electromagnetic actuators, connected to a support plate of the touch-sensitive surface sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one damper placed between the control surface and the support
Implementation Method 3
each connecting area comprising at least one damper placed between the control surface and the support
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control device (1) with haptic feedback; comprising a sensitive control surface (3) on which an actuator (9) is fixed, said control surface (3) being connected to a support (5) in the area of at least two connection zones (7), each connection zone (7) comprising at least one damper (70) placed between the control surface (3) and the support (5), said connection zones (7) defining a proximal suspension of said control surface (3) with respect to said support (5) in the area of a connection zone (7) near the actuator (9) and a distal suspension of said control surface (3) with respect to the support (5) in the area of a connection zone (7) distant from the actuator, the stiffness of the proximal suspension being less than the stillness of the distal suspension.