Magnetic Input Device Base for Vehicle Touchscreens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for motor vehicles, such as touchpads and touchscreens, lack flexibility in attaching additional input parts, posing a risk of injury and limiting adaptability to different operating situations, with current solutions being inflexible and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive input device with a movably mounted input part and a position detection system using magnetic adhesion for selective attachment to the input surface, allowing for contactless position detection and haptic feedback, enabling better adaptability and safety through magnetic means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuating part is permanently fixed to the touch-sensitive input surface, then the attachment is secure and stable, but the adaptability to different operating situations is reduced and the risk of injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with magnetic attachment means that allow it to be selectively positioned and repositioned on the touch-sensitive input surface. The magnetic force provides a holding effect that maintains secure attachment during use, while allowing the base to be easily moved to different locations or removed when needed, thus achieving both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The input device is divided into separable components: the base with magnetic attachment means and the actuating part. This segmentation allows the base to be independently positioned on the touch-sensitive surface while the actuating part remains movable on the base, providing flexibility in configuration and reducing injury risk
2Ease of operation
If the input part protrudes over the input surface to enable manual operation, then haptic feedback is improved, but the risk of injury in the event of a crash increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed to be movable on the touch-sensitive input surface rather than permanently fixed. In the event of a crash or sudden movement, the base can slide or detach, reducing the protrusion effect and minimizing injury risk while still providing sufficient haptic feedback for normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment force is calibrated to provide sufficient holding strength for normal operation and haptic feedback, while allowing the base to be easily moved or detached under extreme forces such as during a crash, thus balancing operational feedback with safety
3Device complexity
If the base is permanently attached to the touch-sensitive input surface, then the structure is simple and stable, but the ability to change positioning location is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent mechanical attachment is replaced with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic field provides the necessary holding force without requiring complex mechanical fastening mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy repositioning and removal of the base
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 solution provides a flexible and safe input device that can be adapted to various operating situations, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing haptic feedback, while allowing for spatially resolved position detection and additional input functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic means for detachable, magnetic adhesion of the base... at a positioning location on the touch-sensitive input surface. These means comprise a first element on the base and at least one second element which is arranged in or under the touch-sensitive input surface and interacts magnetically with the first element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an input device (1) comprising: a touchpad or touchscreen (2) providing a touch-sensitive input surface (8), each with a touch detection device (2b) for detecting a touch of the touch-sensitive input surface (8) by an operator (B); a base (5) designed for positioning on the touch-sensitive input surface (8); and an input part (3) movably mounted on the base (5) to enable manual input by the operator (B) by adjusting the input part (3), which has a position sensor (4) for contactless position detection; a position detection device (2b) cooperating with the position sensor (4) for detecting a position or adjustment of the input part (3) in order to assign a switching and/or control function to the detection result;magnetic and/or magnetizable means for effecting a releasable magnetic adhesion of the base (5) at a positioning location on the touch-sensitive input surface (8), comprising a base-side first element (7) and at least one second element (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e) arranged in or under the touch-sensitive input surface (8) and magnetically cooperating with the first element (7).