Reconfigurable Accessory Controller With Tactile Switch Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electronics accessory controllers are limited in programmability and lack physical switches with tactile feedback, making them inadequate for controlling a wide range of available devices effectively, especially in off-road driving applications.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable vehicle accessory controller system that includes a relay junction with multiple relay connections and a controller head unit with programmable switch buttons and a scroll dial for customizable input function mappings, allowing for unified control of various electronic accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-configured switch controllers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller enables dynamic reconfiguration of switch functions through programmable mappings. Each switch can be assigned different output functions and display outputs based on user needs, allowing the system to adapt to various accessory configurations without changing the physical hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the functional parameters of the switches through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration. The controller head unit stores multiple input function mappings that can be activated to change what each switch controls, enabling the same physical switches to serve different accessories at different times.
2Adaptability or versatility
If touch screen displays are used, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller divides the interface into discrete physical switches with individual indicator screens, combining the adaptability of programmable controls with the tactile feedback of physical buttons. Each switch is a separate controllable element that provides both visual and tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
Each physical switch is equipped with an independent indicator screen that provides visual feedback about the switch's current state and function. This combination of tactile input and visual feedback enhances ease of operation while maintaining adaptability through programmable mappings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unified controllers aggregating multiple accessories are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller head unit is designed as a universal control device that can manage multiple different types of accessories through a single interface. The programmable switch mappings allow the same physical controls to operate various accessories such as lights, cameras, and communication devices, making the controller adaptable to diverse accessory configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable controller system for one or more switchable electronic devices has a relay junction with a plurality of relay connections, each of which includes at least a load circuit input, a load circuit output connectible to a respective one of the one or more switchable electronic devices, and a control circuit line. A controller head unit connectible to the relay junction includes a plurality of switch buttons, each with an independent indicator screen programmable with one or more display outputs, and associated output functions to a specific one the control circuit lines generated when the switch is actuated. A scroll dial is receptive to a rotary input that responsively switches, for one or more of the plurality of switch buttons, given ones of the display outputs and associated output functions to another one of the display outputs and associated output functions.