Helmet-Mounted Multidirectional Control Plate for Gloved Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems for helmets, such as those used by motorcycle riders, fail to provide a user interface that is both safe and convenient to operate, especially when wearing gloves, as they require complex hand movements or precise button presses.

Innovation Solution

A user interface device with a scroll-activated element and a pressure-activated multidirectional tiltable/pushable plate, embedded within a housing that can be mounted on a helmet, allowing easy operation by simple hand or finger movements, including discrete keys and a clickable element, which converts activations into control signals for the communication system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional button controls are used on helmet-mounted communication systems, then the system can be operated, but the operation becomes difficult and unsafe when wearing gloves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter from precise button pressing to rotational scrolling motion. The scroll-activated element responds to rotational movement rather than requiring precise linear pressing, making it operable with gloved hands while maintaining safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is segmented into distinct functional elements: a scroll-activated element for navigation and selection, and a separate clickable element for confirmation. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with the scroll element handling browsing and selection without requiring precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If complex hand movements are required for operation, then precise control can be achieved, but safety and convenience are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidconvenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scroll-activated element provides dynamic control through rotational motion, allowing the user to navigate through options by scrolling and then confirm selection through a separate clickable action. This dynamic interface maintains precision while simplifying the physical movements required, especially when wearing gloves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate controls are provided for different functions, then comprehensive control capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scroll-activated element serves multiple functions: it can be rotated to navigate through options and can be clicked to confirm selections. The clickable element works in conjunction with the scroll element to provide both navigation and confirmation capabilities, reducing the need for separate dedicated buttons for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3180679B1User interface for a communication system
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 CARDO SYST LTD
  • EP3180679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3180679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3180679B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A user interface device for applying control signals to a communication system, comprising: at least one pressure-activated multidirectional tiltable/pushable plate with multiple pressureable areas, wherein each of said pressureable areas activates a corresponding pressure element that is located under said plate, wherein each activation of a specific pressure element defines an action which is respectively performed upon tilting- pressing of said plate towards the location of the respective pressure element.