Nested Rocking and Rotary Knobs for Compact In-Vehicle Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-vehicle input devices face challenges in reducing size when multiple operating knobs, such as a rocking-type and a rotary knob, are closely disposed, as they require sufficient space for operation, compromising space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a housing with a supporting member and a first operating knob that rocks, featuring a notch for the second operating knob, allowing efficient use of space and improved operability by guiding the first operating knob to reduce backlash and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple operating knobs are disposed close to each other, then space efficiency is improved, but the device size cannot be reduced due to insufficient operation space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second operating knob is disposed inside the notch of the first operating knob, creating a nested configuration where one operating element is positioned within the structural void of another, maximizing space utilization while maintaining operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating knobs are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations - the first operating knob rocks along one axis while the second operating knob is positioned within its notch, allowing operators to distinguish and operate them by direction and location rather than requiring separate planar spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the first operating knob is guided to reduce backlash, then operability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional guiding members

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidguiding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Guiding members are provided only at specific locations where the first operating knob requires guidance during rocking motion, rather than implementing a complete guiding system throughout the entire structure, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding members act as intermediary elements that mediate between the first operating knob and the housing, providing necessary guidance and backlash reduction while remaining separate, modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8546707B2In-vehicle input device

Publication Date: 2013.10.01 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

An in-vehicle input device includes a housing including a supporting member; an operating knob including a shaft hole (supported part) and supported by the supporting member in such a manner that the operating knob rocks; and a switch (a moving contact of a bulge and a fixed contact of a main substrate) operated by rocking the operating knob, wherein the operating knob has a notch defining an opening intersecting with a rocking axis on a first side intersecting with the rocking axis, and wherein a rotary knob, which is an operating (second operating knob) corresponding to another switch, is disposed in the notch.