Multi-Axis Vehicle Dial Controller for Touch-Free Function Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles often have multiple disparate human-machine interfaces and navigational challenges with touch screen controls, leading to passenger dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A dial controller with a rotatable dial that can move along three axes to interact with a display, allowing passengers to select and control vehicle functions without a touch screen interface, using sensors and a stepper motor for haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple disparate human-machine interfaces are scattered throughout the vehicle, then various vehicle functions can be controlled, but the complexity of the control system increases and passenger satisfaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle function control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple disparate control interfaces (dials, buttons, switches) into a single integrated dial controller that can access and control all vehicle functions through one unified interface, eliminating the need for scattered controls throughout the vehicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dial controller is designed as a universal control device that can perform multiple functions - rotating the dial selects different vehicle functions, pushing the dial activates them, and the single interface replaces numerous specialized controls, making one device do the work of many

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a touch screen interface is used to consolidate controls, then the number of disparate interfaces is reduced, but the navigability and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of interfacesVSAvoidnavigability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the touch screen interface (which relies on visual display and finger tapping) with a mechanical dial interface that provides tactile feedback and intuitive physical manipulation, substituting electronic interaction with mechanical interaction for improved ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dial controller incorporates tactile feedback through its mechanical design - the dial has distinct positions, resistance, and physical engagement points that provide immediate sensory feedback to the passenger, eliminating the lack of feedback inherent in touch screen interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single human-machine interface with touch screen is implemented, then control consolidation is achieved, but passenger satisfaction with navigability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface consolidationVSAvoidpassenger satisfaction with navigation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dial controller adds physical spatial dimensions to the interface - the dial can be rotated around an axis, pushed along the axis, and positioned at different angular orientations, creating a three-dimensional interaction space that provides intuitive navigation compared to two-dimensional touch screen gestures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Simplifies navigation and control of vehicle functions, reducing the complexity of multiple interfaces and enhancing user experience by providing intuitive multi-axis control.

Implementation Method 1

the first sensor is a rotary encoder or a Hall sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotary encoder:

Implementation Method 2

the second sensor is a linear displacement sensor comprising a fixed part and a movable part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear displacement sensor:

Implementation Method 3

the third sensor is a linear displacement sensor comprising a fixed part and a movable part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear displacement sensor:

Implementation Method 4

a fourth sensor operably connected to the selector button, the fourth sensor produces an output that is a function of depression of the selector button

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisplacement sensor:

Implementation Method 5

using sensors and a stepper motor for haptic feedback

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback:

Data Source

PatentUS20240317057A1User interface with a dial controller including a rotatable dial that can be manipulated along or about three axes

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 GHSP INC

AI summary

A dial controller for a vehicle comprises: (a) a rotatable dial that is (i) rotatable about an axis of rotation. (ii) linearly movable along a line parallel to the axis of rotation, and (iii) movable along a plane parallel to the axis of rotation: (b) a first sensor operably connected to the rotatable dial, the first sensor producing an output that is a function of rotation of the rotatable dial about the axis of rotation: (c) a second sensor operably connected to the rotatable dial, the second sensor producing an output that is a function of movement of the rotatable dial along the line parallel to the axis of rotation; and (d) a third sensor operably connected to rotatable dial, the third sensor producing an output that is a function of movement of the rotatable dial along the plane parallel to the axis of rotation.