Modular Vehicle HMI Dock for Custom Tactile Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle human-machine interfaces (HMIs) often lack tactile controls, which can be a drawback for users preferring physical interaction, as they typically offer a primarily touch-based interface with limited physical controls, failing to accommodate individual user preferences for customization.
Innovation Solution
A modular programmable widget system that includes a dock for receiving customizable tactile buttons, knobs, and other physical controls, allowing users to attach and configure various modular widgets to provide quick access to vehicle functions, with features like magnetic attachment, interchangeable signifier caps, and a variety of functionalities such as biometric sensors, air quality monitoring, and trailer control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a primarily touch-based interface is used in modern vehicle HMIs, then the interface simplicity and space utilization are improved, but the tactile control capability and user preference accommodation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI system is segmented into multiple independent widget modules that can be selectively attached to the dock. Each widget provides specific tactile control functions (buttons, knobs, switches) while the overall system maintains touch interface simplicity. The segmentation allows users to choose only the tactile controls they need, accommodating diverse preferences without cluttering the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI system transitions from a static touch-only interface to a dynamic hybrid interface where tactile widgets can be added or removed based on user needs. The dock provides a standardized interface that dynamically adapts to different widget configurations, allowing the system to evolve from purely digital to a flexible combination of tactile and touch controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular programmable widgets are added to provide tactile controls, then the user customization and tactile control capability are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dock is designed with universal connectors and a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple types of widgets (buttons, knobs, switches, displays). This multi-functionality allows a single dock structure to support various tactile control options without requiring separate mounting systems for each widget type, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the variety of components.
Solution Approach 2:
All widgets are designed with a standardized attachment interface and uniform mounting dimensions, creating homogeneity in the connection mechanism. This standardization simplifies the dock design and reduces the number of unique components needed, as the same basic connector structure handles all widget types regardless of their specific functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized dock connector interface is used for all widgets, then the manufacturing ease and assembly simplicity are improved, but the ability to accommodate different widget shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connector interface uses an asymmetric design with specific orientation features (such as keyed connectors or directional mounting tabs) that simplify assembly by preventing incorrect installation. This asymmetric standardization maintains ease of manufacture while accommodating various widget shapes and sizes, as each widget is designed to match the standardized asymmetric interface rather than requiring custom interfaces for each shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A dock for receiving modular programmable widgets includes a body defining a securing channel for receiving the modular programmable widgets, the securing channel being sized to conform with a profile of an attachment body of the rear of the modular programmable widgets; a plurality of dock connectors configured to receive contact pads of the modular programmable widgets; and locators defined by the securing channel into the securing channel to aid in placement of the modular programmable widgets in positions where the contact pads of the modular programmable widgets are aligned with one of the dock connectors.