Rearview Mirror Toggle Paddle With Tactile Multi-Button Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview devices lack intuitive and customizable user input mechanisms for controlling electro-optic elements, limiting user interaction and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A toggle paddle with distinct buttons and tactile indicia is integrated behind the electro-optic element, allowing users to select different functionalities through a rotatable mechanism that engages corresponding switches on a circuit board, enabling customizable and intuitive control of the rearview device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-button or simple switch mechanism is used for user input, then the device structure remains simple, but the user interaction capability and functionality customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle paddle is divided into multiple distinct buttons (first button, second button, third button) arranged in a specific pattern. Each button can be independently actuated to provide different user inputs, allowing the system to offer multiple functionalities and customization options while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle paddle structure serves multiple functions: it provides a rotatable mechanism for mode selection, contains multiple distinct buttons for different inputs, and integrates tactile indicia for user guidance. This multi-functional design enables versatile user interaction without requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control buttons are added to provide customizable functionality, then user interaction options increase, but the device structure and button configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each button on the toggle paddle is assigned a specific location and tactile indicia characteristic (such as different shapes, sizes, or textures on the rear surface). The circuit board is configured with corresponding switches at specific positions to detect which button is actuated. This localized differentiation allows the system to provide multiple customized functionalities while maintaining a clear and intuitive button configuration that does not overly complicate the device structure.
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 toggle paddle provides a user-friendly interface for selecting various functionalities, enhancing user interaction and customization options while maintaining a sleek design, improving the overall usability and aesthetic appeal of the rearview device.
Implementation Method 1
An electro-optic medium is disposed in a cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rearview device for a vehicle having an electro optic element. A first substrate includes first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substrate includes third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. An electro-optic medium is disposed in a cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element. A display device is disposed proximate the fourth surface of the second substrate. A toggle paddle is disposed behind the electro-optic element. The toggle paddle includes a plurality of distinct buttons. Each distinct button includes a distinct tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof.