Multifunction Vehicle Control Dial Reducing Cockpit Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle control systems require multiple dedicated interfaces for various functions, leading to cluttered cockpits and inefficient driver interaction, as each system has its own set of input devices.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction control apparatus with two rotatable dials and buttons that can be configured to control different vehicle systems, allowing the dials to alter multiple variable characteristics depending on button mode, reducing the number of input devices and enhancing interior styling options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each vehicle system has its own dedicated interface, then each system can be controlled independently and reliably, but the number of input devices increases leading to cockpit clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is designed as a universal multifunctional device that can control multiple vehicle systems (climate control, audio, navigation) through a single integrated interface. The controller responds to input signals from the interface and transmits control signals to different systems based on the selected mode, allowing one interface to perform the functions of multiple dedicated interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface dynamically changes its function based on the selected mode. The controller receives mode selection signals and reconfigures which system the interface controls, allowing the same physical interface to adaptively serve different systems without requiring multiple static dedicated interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated interfaces are provided for different vehicle systems, then each system has dedicated control capability, but the interior styling options are constrained by the large quantity of input devices
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a single multifunctional interface that can control multiple systems, the design freedom for interior styling is greatly enhanced. The interface can be positioned in preferred locations within easy reach of the driver, and its compact integrated design allows for more flexible interior layouts compared to multiple scattered control devices.
3Reliability
If each system has its own dedicated interface, then system control is straightforward and reliable, but driver interaction efficiency decreases due to scattered control locations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions for different systems are merged into a single integrated interface located in a preferred position within easy reach of the driver. The interface includes mode selection capability that allows the driver to switch between controlling different systems (climate, audio, navigation) without having to reach for multiple separate controls scattered throughout the cockpit.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.