Steering Wheel Paddle Switch with Photoconductive Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paddle switches on steering wheels require frequent line of sight movement due to multiple operation sections and complex structures, making blind touch operation difficult during driving.
Innovation Solution
A paddle switch with a transparent photoconductive operation knob that is illuminated around its periphery based on ON/OFF status, featuring a reflecting surface and multicolor LED lighting to facilitate blind touch operation, and is positioned to be easily accessible during gripping of the steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation knob is made transparent to allow fingertip visibility, then the driver can see the fingertip position, but the structure becomes complicated and line of sight movement is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The operation knob uses photoconductive material that changes transparency based on light exposure. When illuminated by the LED, the operation section becomes transparent and visible, showing the fingertip position. When not illuminated, it remains opaque for blind touch operation. This dynamic optical property change eliminates the need for complex multi-component structures while enabling both blind touch and visual feedback functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation sections are provided on the operation knob, then various functions can be operated, but line of sight movement is required each time operation is performed
Solution Approach 1:
The photoconductive operation knob dynamically changes its optical properties based on illumination. When the LED illuminates a specific operation section, that section becomes transparent and visible to the driver, allowing immediate visual confirmation without line of sight movement. This enables quick identification of the active operation section among multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the photoconductive material that illuminates the currently active operation section. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to know which function is active without looking away from the road, reducing line of sight movement time while maintaining access to multiple operation functions.
3Ease of operation
If the operation knob is made opaque for blind touch operation, then blind touch is possible, but the driver cannot see the fingertip position or operation state
Solution Approach 1:
The photoconductive operation knob remains opaque in normal conditions to enable blind touch operation. When the LED illuminates it, the material becomes transparent, allowing the driver to see the fingertip position and operation state. This dynamic transparency change provides visual information on demand without compromising blind touch capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares visual information by illuminating the operation knob with LED before or during the operation moment. This preliminary illumination action ensures that when the driver needs to confirm the fingertip position or operation state, the information is already visible through the photoconductive material, preventing information loss.
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
Enables nearly complete blind touch operation by reducing line of sight movement and enhancing operational accuracy and speed through visual recognition of the illuminated border, allowing for quick and accurate identification of the ON/OFF state without interfering with driving.
Implementation Method 1
an operation knob formed of a transparent photoconductor
Implementation Method 2
a light source may be a multicolor LED, and the outer periphery of the operation knob may be illuminated with different colors depending on the ON/OFF operation of the paddle switch
Implementation Method 3
a reflecting surface may be formed on an operation part of the outer periphery of the operation knob
Data Source
AI summary
Paddle levers protrude from lower sides of a center pad of a steering wheel into two lower spaces partitioned using a horizontal spoke and a vertical spoke of the steering wheel. The paddle lever is formed of a transparent photoconductor, and a periphery of the paddle lever is illuminated in a rimmed shape. Hence, the paddle lever can be visually recognized easily, and a finger touching the paddle lever can be visually recognized instantaneously. Therefore, operation almost nearly equivalent to complete blind touch operation can be attained, and the operability is improved.