Steering-Wheel Optical Finger Navigation with Homogeneous Ring Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical finger navigation modules for vehicle steering wheels face issues with non-homogeneous ring illumination, temperature and humidity unsuitability, color variant conflicts, and inadequate activation forces and travel, making them unsuitable for automotive use.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a mounting frame and optical finger navigation module, utilizing a snap connection between a light-blocking element and fastening frame, along with separate light-guiding elements for optimized light distribution and color, and a rubber-elastic element for strain relief and tolerance compensation, allowing for homogeneous illumination and improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ring illumination is integrated into the OFN with small overall depth, then the minimal depth requirement is met, but the illumination becomes non-homogeneous with up to 50 percent brightness difference
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into separate components: the LED light source is separated from the illumination ring, with the light guided through optical elements (light guides or light channels) that distribute light homogeneously around the OFN. This segmentation allows independent optimization of depth and illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Light guides or light channels serve as intermediary elements between the LED source and the illumination ring. These intermediaries transport and distribute light uniformly around the OFN, achieving homogeneous illumination while maintaining compact depth through efficient optical path design.
2Illumination intensity
If a translucent surface is used for the illuminated area, then the ring lighting can be implemented, but the surface cannot withstand automotive temperatures and humidity levels
Solution Approach 1:
A translucent film or coating is applied to the front surface of the opaque operating surface. This thin translucent layer allows light to pass through for illumination while the underlying opaque material maintains structural integrity and resistance to automotive environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating surface is constructed as a composite structure combining opaque automotive-grade material with a translucent illumination layer. This composite approach allows the bulk material to provide environmental resistance while the translucent layer enables light transmission for the ring illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If color variants in the lighting are implemented, then different vehicle classes and equipment lines can be differentiated, but the OFN itself must change which conflicts with component standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination ring uses color-changing LED technology or interchangeable colored illumination rings that can be configured in different colors without changing the underlying OFN structure. This allows color variants for different vehicle classes while keeping the technical components standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting color is made adjustable through parameter changes in the illumination system (LED wavelength selection, phosphor composition, or control settings) rather than changing the OFN hardware. This enables color differentiation while maintaining component standardization across vehicle classes.
4Force
If the activation forces and travels are increased for vehicle application, then unintentional activation is avoided, but the OFN guidance becomes inadequate with small installation depths
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-action disc is tilted at an angle relative to the operating surface, creating a mechanical advantage through angular geometry. This tilting allows sufficient activation force and travel for vehicle conditions while maintaining compact depth by utilizing the angular displacement rather than linear travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-action disc uses a curved or domed surface geometry that provides mechanical guidance and force multiplication. The curved profile allows the disc to deflect and return smoothly, providing adequate activation characteristics while maintaining small installation depth through efficient use of displacement.
5Volume of moving object
If the snap-action disc is glued to the OFN, then the minimal depth design is achieved, but the activation characteristics are insufficient for vehicle application
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-action disc is tilted at an angle relative to the operating surface, creating a mechanical advantage through angular geometry. This tilting allows sufficient activation force and travel for vehicle conditions while maintaining compact depth by utilizing the angular displacement rather than linear travel.
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 provides a vehicle-compatible optical finger navigation module with homogeneous ring illumination, wear-free contacting, and adjustable color, meeting automotive quality standards and ensuring safe and reliable operation under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An operating device (11) with a mounting frame (12) and an optical finger navigation module (14) is proposed. A first light-guiding element (21) and the optical finger navigation module (14) are held in the fastening frame (19) by a light-blocking element (19).
Implementation Method 2
The light blocking element (19) is fastened to the fastening frame (12) by means of a snap connection
Implementation Method 3
Furthermore, on the side of the mounting frame (12) facing away from the optical finger navigation module (14), a switching dome (27) of a switch (27) can be arranged, which can be actuated by a movement of the mounting frame (12).
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The intention is to provide an operating device having an optical finger navigation module (15) for installation in a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, which allows reliable operation and can be produced favourably. An operating device having a fastening frame (12) in which a first light-guiding element and the optical finger navigation module (15) are held by means of a light-sealing element (19) is therefore proposed. The light-sealing element (19) is fastened to the fastening frame (12) by means of a snap connection. The fastening frame (12) has at least one guide element (13) which can be used to guide a movement of the fastening frame.