Levitating Vehicle User Interface for Stable Multi-Modal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input devices in vehicles are limited in their degree of freedom and often require separate devices for different functionalities, leading to a need for improved central input devices that can handle multiple operations with enhanced usability and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a floating device and a base element that allows the device to operate in both a balanced levitating position and a docking position, enabling multi-modal user input and output through magnetic levitation and mechanical fixation, with a magnetic system maintaining the device's position and an electromechanical actuator adjusting levitation height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central user input device is used to control multiple functionalities, then the number of input devices is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating device is designed as a universal input device that can control multiple vehicle functionalities including climate control, infotainment, and window controls through a single integrated interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate control devices
Solution Approach 2:
The floating device can dynamically change its operational state between floating mode (for easy access and manipulation) and docked mode (for stable interaction), allowing the same physical device to adapt to different user interaction requirements
2Ease of operation
If a floating device with high degree of freedom is used, then usability is improved, but stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two stable states: floating state where the device is levitated by magnetic forces allowing high degree of freedom for easy grasping and manipulation, and docked state where the device is mechanically secured to the base for stable interaction during use
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic levitation system uses electromagnetic forces to counteract gravity and maintain the device in a stable floating position, while the docking mechanism provides mechanical counterbalance to secure the device when docked
3Ease of operation
If magnetic levitation is used to enable multi-modal input, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic levitation system replaces traditional mechanical support structures with electromagnetic fields, enabling the device to be levitated and positioned without physical contact, thereby enabling multi-modal input through floating, tilting, and docking movements
Solution Approach 2:
The same magnetic levitation system serves multiple functions: it enables the device to float for easy access, positions the device for docking, and provides the mechanical basis for multi-modal input operations
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 system provides a high degree of freedom for user interaction while ensuring stability and regulatory compliance, offering improved usability and versatility in vehicles by allowing the device to be used in both floating and docked modes, enhancing user experience through multi-modal feedback and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
maintain the floating device in a balanced position above the base element... through magnetic levitation
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic system maintaining the device's position
Implementation Method 3
an electromechanical actuator adjusting levitation height
Implementation Method 4
locate the floating device in a docking position on a top side or surface of the base element... through mechanical fixation
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
An example relates to a system (10) comprising a floating device (11) and a base element (12) for the floating device (11). The floating device (11) is configured as at least one of an input device or an output device for a user interface. The system (10) is configured to maintain the floating device (11) in a balanced position, e.g. a levitating position, above the base element (12) in a first operational mode and to locate the floating device (11) in a docking position on a top side of the base element (12) in a second operational mode. Further examples relate to a vehicle (20) with a system (10) and to a floating device (11).