Vehicle Display Layout With Hidden Haptic Control Knob

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display and operating devices in motor vehicles lack a precise and intuitive method for operating functions, particularly when requiring haptic feedback and minimal gaze diversion during use.

Innovation Solution

A display and operating device configuration where a mechanical operating element is partially concealed by the display, with a visible, manually operable section, and information related to the operable function is displayed on the display, effectively combining haptic operability with visual feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical operating element is fully visible and exposed, then it provides good haptic feedback and ease of operation, but it occupies excessive space and complicates the device structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback qualityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating element is nested behind the display, with only a portion protruding laterally. The display serves as a cover that conceals the mechanical structure while allowing partial access for operation. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall device footprint and simplifies the structural layout by integrating the operating element within the display assembly rather than placing it externally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the operating element is partially concealed by the display, then the device structure is simplified and space is reduced, but the user cannot see the full operating element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidvisibility of operating element
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display presents visual information corresponding to the operating element's position and state. When the operating element is rotated or adjusted, the display shows graphical representations and status information that replicate the functional state, compensating for the partial concealment and providing the user with complete information about the operating element's current configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If a touchscreen is used for all operations, then the device structure is simplified, but haptic feedback is lost and precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidoperating precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The solution merges touchscreen technology with a mechanical operating element. The display surface functions as a touchscreen for certain operations, while the protruding mechanical element provides haptic feedback and precise control for specific functions. This combination allows the system to leverage both digital and mechanical advantages, achieving both structural simplicity and operational precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the operating element protrudes significantly, then it is easily operable, but it increases the device's external dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operabilityVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the entire operating element protrude, only a sufficient portion protrudes laterally to enable effective manual operation. This partial protrusion provides the necessary haptic feedback and operational leverage while minimizing the increase in device external dimensions. The display covers the remaining portion, maintaining a compact overall form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4215399B1Display and operating device, motor vehicle and method for operating a display and operating device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 AUDI AG
  • EP4215399B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4215399B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A display and operating device comprising a display (5), an operating element (6) and a control unit (7), wherein the operating element (6) is arranged behind the display (5), wherein a first section (8) of the operating element (6) is covered by the display (5) and a second, manually operable section (9) of the operating element (6) protrudes laterally next to the display (5), wherein the control unit (7) is configured to control the display (5) to display at least some information at least partially on the part (10) of the display (5) covering the first section of the operating element (6), wherein the information is assigned to at least one function adjustable via the operating element (6).