Recessed Rotary Console Control for Flush Vehicle Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle center console controllers with touch input are not visually modern, appealing, or ergonomically friendly, especially when integrated into modern vehicle designs with closed, flush surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modern, surface-integrated operating element that combines turn-press-tilt operations with touch input, featuring a recessed rotary element and a palm rest, which is designed to be cost-effective, ergonomically friendly, and visually appealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional turn-press-tilt controller is used, then good ergonomics for operation is achieved, but the design is not visually modern and appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotary element with the palm rest into a single integrated operating element. The rotary element is formed as a recess in the palm rest, creating a unified structure that provides both modern visual appeal and ergonomic functionality. This combination resolves the contradiction by achieving contemporary design aesthetics while maintaining comfortable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary element is designed as a recessed feature within the palm rest surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to create a three-dimensional interface. The circumferential edge of the recess provides haptic feedback and spatial boundaries without protruding significantly, allowing the controller to appear flush with the console surface while maintaining operational ergonomics.
2Ease of manufacture
If the rotary element is formed by a recess in the operating element, then cost-effective manufacturing is achieved, but the structural complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary element and palm rest are merged into a single monolithic component formed as one piece. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for these two elements, reducing production costs while the recessed geometry is achieved through standard molding or machining processes.
3Shape
If the recess includes a circumferential edge, then visual integration and haptic feedback are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential edge is provided only at specific locations where haptic feedback and visual definition are needed, rather than around the entire perimeter. This localized approach provides the necessary spatial boundaries for user interaction while reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a complete circumferential edge.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating element to be installed in a center console of a motor vehicle includes at least two planar elements which are at least partially touch-sensitive such that an operator can trigger a function via a touch with a hand of the operator or at least one finger of the operator and a rotary element disposed between the at least two planar elements where a cylindrical surface of the rotary element is touch-sensitive.