Multifunction Operating Device with Active Haptic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction operating devices face challenges in achieving high integration density while maintaining a compact, robust, and vandalism-resistant design, with difficulties in sealing gaps between operating surfaces and providing an advantageous haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction operating device with a touch sensor system and actuator that generates spatially resolved haptic feedback, combined with an electromechanical switching element and mounting mechanisms to ensure reliable detection and actuation of individual operating surfaces, creating a compact and robust design with varied haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple pushbuttons are combined to form a multifunction operating device with high integration density, then construction volume and component count are reduced, but sealing the gaps between operating surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous elastic input layer (membrane keyboard) that covers all pushbuttons and operates surfaces. This flexible film structure eliminates gaps between individual keys while maintaining sealing integrity, resolving the contradiction between compact integration and reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If a membrane keyboard is used to cover pushbuttons for sealing purposes, then gap sealing is achieved, but the operating haptic becomes less advantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating surfaces into distinct zones on the continuous membrane, allowing each region to provide localized haptic feedback while maintaining overall sealing. The membrane is divided into operable areas with different tactile characteristics, preserving advantageous haptics while achieving gap-free sealing.
3Reliability
If touchpads or touchscreens are used to provide a continuous input surface, then sealing is improved, but additional switch haptic becomes complex in construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and haptic feedback function into a single integrated membrane structure. The continuous input surface provides sealing while embedded elements within the membrane deliver switch haptic, eliminating the need for separate complex haptic mechanisms and simplifying overall construction.
4Ease of operation
If operating surfaces are separated to enable separate actuation of individual pushbuttons, then individual control is achieved, but sealing of gaps becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous elastic membrane serves as both the sealing barrier and the actuation interface. Individual pushbuttons are defined as distinct zones on this continuous film, allowing separate actuation through localized deformation while the uninterrupted membrane structure maintains sealing across all regions.
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 solution enables a compact, robust, and reliable multifunction operating device with high integration density and improved haptic detectability, allowing for individualized detection and confirmation of each operating surface, enhancing user experience and structural simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is, for example, a piezoelectric actuator. Preferably, it is an electromagnetic actuator. For example, the electromagnetic actuator comprises a coil arranged on the carrier side and an anchor arranged on the input part side
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is, for example, a piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 3
For example, a capacitively, inductively or resistively detecting touch sensor system is provided. A capacitive touch sensor system is, for example, understood to be such a sensor system which generates an array of measurement capacities assigned to the input surfaces by means of an electrode array
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction operating device includes a carrier; an input part which has an input surface comprising an array of operating surfaces and which is to be mounted so as to be able to move relatively to the carrier; a touch sensor system which is designed to detect a touching of the input surface by an operating member of an operator, which touching is spatially resolved on the different operating surfaces, and to provide it as a touch detection result; a control unit electrically connected to the touch sensor system; an actuator electrically connected to the control unit and having an effective direction (W) for driving the input part so as to move it relatively to the carrier in order to generate an active haptic; the control unit is designed to trigger the active haptic depending on the touch detection result; an electromechanical switching element electrically connected to the control unit and arranged between the input part and the carrier in order to detect an actuation exerting a minimum actuating force on one of the operating surfaces by means of a switching operation of the electromechanical switching element and to optionally generate an associated mechanical switch haptic.