Haptic Actuator Shift Button Feedback for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic shift systems, there is a risk of erroneous operations due to similar operation manners and directions of shift buttons, particularly for P-stage, R-stage, N-stage, and D-stage buttons, which can lead to accidental activations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shift operation apparatus that utilizes a haptic actuator to generate distinct primary haptic signals for each shift button operation, and an additional secondary haptic signal based on the distance to a rear object when the R-stage button is operated, to prevent erroneous operations and alert the driver of potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shift buttons for P-stage, R-stage, N-stage, and D-stage are designed with similar operation manners and directions, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to the risk of erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the haptic feedback into distinct types corresponding to each shift button (P, R, N, D). Each button operation generates a specific haptic signal pattern, allowing the system to differentiate between button presses without requiring physical differentiation of the buttons themselves. This maintains simple button design while improving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements haptic feedback that provides immediate tactile confirmation of the correct button operation. When a driver presses a shift button, the corresponding haptic signal confirms the intended operation, preventing erroneous shifts. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability without adding complex mechanical structures to the buttons.
2Reliability
If a haptic actuator is added to generate distinct haptic signals for each shift button, then the reliability of shift operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic actuator serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback for each shift button operation, confirms correct button selection, and can potentially provide different feedback patterns for various vehicle conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the actuator by maximizing its utility across different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of haptic feedback (intensity, duration, pattern) based on which shift button is pressed. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system provides distinctive tactile signals for each button without requiring multiple separate actuators, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional secondary haptic signal is generated for rear collision alarm, then the safety is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of rear objects and prepares the secondary haptic signal in advance. When a potential collision risk is detected, the system can immediately activate the alarm haptic signal without delay. This preliminary action ensures safety response while optimizing energy usage by only activating the energy-consuming alarm function when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting rear objects and preparing preventive alarm signals before a collision actually occurs. The secondary haptic signal serves as a preventive measure, alerting the driver to potential dangers before they materialize into actual collisions, thereby reducing the harmful effects while managing energy consumption strategically.
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 apparatus effectively prevents erroneous shift operations by providing distinct tactile feedback for each button and alerts the driver to rear collision risks, enhancing operational safety and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic actuator provided in the button housing and generating a haptic signal at the time of the operation of the shift button
Data Source
AI summary
In an electronic shift operation apparatus, an operation of a haptic actuator is controlled depending on a kind of shifting stage signal (P.R.N.D) generated at the time of an operation of a shift button to generate a different type of haptic signal, and an operation of the haptic actuator is controlled depending on a distance to a rear object positioned behind a vehicle at the time of an operation of an R-stage button to additionally generate a haptic signal.