Single Electronic Card Multiplexer for Haptic Feedback Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing haptic feedback systems in motor vehicles require multiple actuators and electronic control cards for various interaction zones, leading to high costs due to the complexity and number of components needed.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a single electronic card with a switching mechanism, such as a multiplexer, to control a group of actuators, where touch information is received and used to select the appropriate actuator for haptic feedback, reducing the number of electronic cards and activating only the necessary actuator for each interaction zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If one actuator per interaction zone is used for localized haptic feedback, then haptic feedback precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple electronic cards
Solution Approach 1:
A single electronic card is designed to control multiple actuators through a multiplexer, allowing one card to perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate cards. The electronic card can dynamically route haptic signals to different actuators based on which interaction zone is being touched, making the card universal rather than dedicated to a single actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple actuator control functions into a single electronic card by integrating a multiplexer. Instead of having separate electronic cards for each actuator, the system merges the control functions, allowing one card to manage multiple actuators by selectively routing signals to the appropriate actuator based on touch zone identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic cards are used to control actuators in different interaction zones, then haptic feedback coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic card is designed with universal functionality to control any actuator in the system through the multiplexer. This single card can adapt to control different actuators in different interaction zones, providing full haptic feedback coverage without requiring multiple specialized cards, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the touch information detection capability of the sensitive surface to automatically determine which actuator should be activated. The electronic card receives touch information, identifies the interaction zone, and autonomously routes the haptic signal to the appropriate actuator without requiring external control logic or additional components.
3Device complexity
If a single electronic card controls multiple actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but actuator selection control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer serves as an intermediary component between the single electronic card and multiple actuators. It receives control signals from the electronic card and routes them to the appropriate actuator based on the touch zone. This intermediary simplifies the control architecture by providing a systematic method for signal routing without requiring complex control logic in the electronic card itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the touch zone before activating the haptic feedback. The touch information is received and processed first to identify which interaction zone is being touched, and only then is the appropriate actuator selected and activated. This preliminary detection simplifies the subsequent actuator selection process.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling a group of actuators (2) of a sensitive command surface with haptic feedback of a motor vehicle apparatus, said group of actuators including at least one first actuator and one second actuator, said control device comprising an electronic card (11) and a switching means (12) connected to the electronic card. The reception of touch information (S) by the electronic card leads to the selection of the first actuator by the switching means.