Movable Control Panel Module for Vehicle Driver Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for arranging operator control elements in motor vehicles, such as between the steering wheel and front windshield, are limited in flexibility and obstruct the driver's view or make steering difficult due to large configurations.
Innovation Solution
A control panel module with rotatable and movable operator control elements, actuated by an electric motor, that can be adjusted based on driving mode, sitting position, and physical stature, allowing for efficient use of space and optimal placement near the driver's hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator control elements are arranged between the steering wheel and front windshield, then driver accessibility is improved, but the driver's view is obstructed and steering becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operator control elements are designed to be movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when needed). This dynamic configuration allows the control elements to be accessible when required but do not obstruct the driver's view or interfere with steering when retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and view obstruction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel module is made large to accommodate multiple control elements, then functionality is improved, but it obstructs the driver's view and makes steering difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel module is divided into multiple independent control elements that can be individually extended or retracted. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive functionality when needed while maintaining a compact, non-obstructive configuration when the control elements are retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and view obstruction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the control panel module is made compact to avoid obstructing the driver's view, then view clarity is improved, but driver accessibility to control elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are designed with movable mechanisms that allow them to extend toward the driver when needed for operation and retract to a compact position when not in use. This dynamic extension and retraction capability enables the system to maintain view clarity in its retracted state while providing adequate accessibility when extended, thus resolving the contradiction between view clarity and driver accessibility.
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
Enhances driver accessibility to control elements while maintaining unobstructed views and reducing steering hindrance, providing adaptable and space-efficient operation of display and activation units.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator device can have, for example, an electric motor for this purpose
Data Source
AI summary
Arranged between a steering wheel (or more generally, steering handle) and a windshield of a motor vehicle, a control panel module has at least on e operator control element, each arranged on one side of a steering column of the steering wheel. The at least one operator control element is rotatable about an axis of rotation and/or movably at least along a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle with respect, to a driver's seat. An actuator device of the control panel module respectively moves the at least one operator control element response to a control device of the control panel module, depending on at least one enable signal, into an enable position and, depending on at least one position signal, from the enable position into position corresponding in each case the position signal.