Magnetic Levitating Vehicle Control Interface for Intuitive Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for vehicle functions are complex and limit operational freedom, requiring frequent hand movement and lacking intuitive control options, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A control device featuring a levitating object within a controlled magnetic field, allowing for multi-directional movement and rotation, with sensors for feedback and stabilization, enabling intuitive and efficient control of vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a panel with touch sensitive surfaces, keys, rotary knobs is used as a control device, then control functions can be provided, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases due to frequent hand movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control elements (keys, rotary knobs, touch surfaces) with a magnetic field-based control system. A moveable object with a magnetizable element interacts with a controlled magnetic field generated by electromagnets, allowing control commands to be issued through the object's position and orientation in space without physical contact with traditional control panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control object operates in three-dimensional space with six degrees of freedom (three translational and three rotational), adding spatial dimensions to the control interface. This allows for more intuitive and varied control gestures compared to two-dimensional panel interactions, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed but moveable object like a joystick or trackball is used, then operational freedom increases, but device complexity increases and the range of control options remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages, bearings, and physical mounting structures required by traditional joysticks and trackballs. Instead, a magnetizable object floats and moves freely within a controlled magnetic field, with its position detected by sensors and electromagnets that generate and adjust the magnetic field to maintain control without mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field control system provides universal control capability for multiple vehicle functions through a single object. The object's six degrees of freedom enable it to control various functions including steering, acceleration, braking, and menu navigation, replacing multiple specialized control elements with one multi-functional interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control devices are used, then basic control functions are available, but adaptability to dynamic environments decreases and control intuitiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously detect the object's position and orientation in the magnetic field, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This enables the magnetic field to be dynamically adjusted in response to vehicle motion and user input, maintaining control accuracy and intuitiveness in dynamic driving environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field control system is dynamically adaptive, adjusting the magnetic field strength and configuration in real-time based on vehicle acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes. This dynamic adaptation maintains control object stability and responsiveness throughout varying driving conditions, enhancing both adaptability and intuitiveness.
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
Provides a wide range of simple and efficient control options, ensuring the object remains stable during vehicle maneuvers and offers haptic feedback, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The control device here uses the technology of so-called levitation to allow an object, which is a sphere according to an advantageous development of the control device according to the invention, having a magnetizable element, e.g., a soft iron core, to float freely in a magnetic field controlled by means of a closed control loop.
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is provided here to detect active operation in the form of a displacement of the object from its neutral position by the person.
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic field returns the object to the neutral position in the event of a displacement. This returning of the object to the neutral position enables an output situation that is always the same on the one hand, and on the other allows a force opposing the movement of the object by the person
Data Source
AI summary
A control device controls vehicle functions and has a largely fixed moveable object that can be actively operated by a person for the purpose of control. The object floats over a controlled magnetic field. A sensor is detects a displacement of the object by a person from its neutral position.