Reconfigurable Virtual Instrument Panel With Magnetic Tactile Controls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern digital media devices in vehicles lack user-friendliness, making it difficult for drivers to access full functionality without diverting attention from the road, and they do not provide the tactile sensation of physical controls, which is desirable for customization and safety.
Innovation Solution
A customizable and reconfigurable instrument panel with removable interface components such as knobs, sliders, and buttons that are magnetically or inductively coupled with encoders, allowing for tactile control and easy reconfiguration, integrated with an LCD display for flexible customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital media interfaces are used in vehicles, then space is conserved and multiple interfaces can be displayed, but the driver cannot easily access controls without diverting attention from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into two distinct layers: a digital display layer for information presentation and a physical control layer for tactile interaction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the space-saving benefits of digital interfaces while adding dedicated physical controls that provide tactile feedback and are easier for drivers to operate without visual attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges digital display technology with physical control elements by integrating physical knobs, sliders, and buttons directly onto the display surface. This combination allows the same real estate to serve both as an information display and as a tactile control interface, resolving the contradiction between interface versatility and driver accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If physical controls like knobs and sliders are used, then tactile sensation is provided, but dashboard space is increased and customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Physical control elements are merged with the digital display surface, allowing tactile controls to be integrated into the existing display real estate rather than occupying separate physical space. This merging enables the system to provide tactile feedback without significantly increasing dashboard area.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical controls are designed to be reconfigurable and programmable, allowing the same physical element to serve multiple functions. A single knob or slider can be programmed to control different parameters depending on the context, providing universal control capabilities that reduce the total number of physical elements needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed instrument panels are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but customization to individual driver preferences is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Physical controls can be repositioned, reprogrammed, and reassigned based on individual driver preferences and specific driving contexts, while maintaining a standardized base platform that simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes rather than physical modifications. Control functions, display parameters, and interface behaviors can be adjusted through software configuration, enabling extensive customization without requiring different manufacturing processes for each configuration.
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 user-friendly interface that allows drivers to access vehicle media and GPS functions without looking away, offering the tactile experience of physical controls while allowing for customization to individual preferences, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The interface components are magnetically or inductively coupled with encoders
Implementation Method 2
The interface components are magnetically or inductively coupled with encoders
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.