Multifunction Control Button with Axial Selection and Tactile Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction control buttons for motor vehicle components are cumbersome and lack ergonomic comfort, making it difficult to manage multiple functions efficiently while driving.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction control button with a processing unit, axial and angular position sensors, and rotational blocking and indexing mechanisms, allowing for two operating modes based on the axial position of the knob, enabling users to perform initial commands and access additional functions by moving the wheel, thereby improving ergonomic comfort and reducing distractions while driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single control button, then the number of controls is reduced and ergonomic comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control button integrates multiple control functions (push button, rotary dial, and directional control) into a single multifunctional device. The processing unit detects different user inputs (push, rotate, directional movement) and executes corresponding control commands, allowing one physical component to perform multiple control tasks that would traditionally require separate buttons or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The control button employs a nested structure where the rotary dial is positioned within the push button housing, and the directional control mechanism is integrated within the rotary dial assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple control mechanisms to occupy the same spatial footprint, reducing the overall number of controls while maintaining distinct functional capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a joystick with display sensor is used for navigation, then multifunction control is achieved, but the control button size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the joystick mechanism, rotary dial, and push button functions into a single integrated control unit. The directional control is achieved through the rotary dial's movement, eliminating the need for a separate joystick. The display sensor functionality is integrated into the processing unit that detects the dial's position and movement, allowing multiple control functions to share the same physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary dial serves multiple functions: it can be pushed like a button, rotated for directional control, and tilted for additional commands. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate controls (joystick for direction, buttons for selection), reducing the overall control unit size while maintaining versatile control capabilities.
3Reliability
If conventional switches are used for each control function, then each function is clearly controlled, but the number of controls increases and ergonomic comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control button provides clear control for multiple functions through a single multifunctional interface. The processing unit distinguishes between different input types (push, rotate direction, tilt angle) and executes corresponding control commands with clear functional separation, maintaining control clarity while reducing the number of physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control button employs dynamic control mechanisms where the rotary dial can be manipulated in multiple ways (pushed, rotated, tilted) to access different control functions. This dynamic interaction provides clear functional differentiation through movement type rather than requiring separate static buttons for each function, improving ergonomic comfort while maintaining control clarity.
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 control button allows for efficient management of multiple functions in a small size, enhancing ergonomic comfort by allowing users to stay focused on driving, with clear visual cues through lighting and tactile feedback, facilitating intuitive control of various vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a holding means comprises at least one magnet cooperating with a surface to be magnetized of the means in corresponding holding in the second distal position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multifunction control button that comprises a base (3), a control thumbwheel (5) mounted on the base (3) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (I-I), and a control member (7) fixedly mounted on the base (3) and coaxially extending through said thumbwheel (5), characterised in that said thumbwheel (5) can be moved between a first and a second axial selection position, and in that the control member (7) includes a control touch sensor (24) sensitive to a bearing pressure applied on said sensor (24) so that bearing on said sensor (24) enables the control of a different function according to the axial selection position of said thumbwheel (5).