Retractable Vehicle Button Module With Cam-Linked Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of buttons in vehicles can lead to complexity in operation, errors, and a cluttered interior, negatively impacting user experience and aesthetic quality.
Innovation Solution
An operation apparatus with a movable button module using a cam mechanism and rotary links, allowing the button to appear and disappear, reducing the number of visible buttons and simplifying the structure, while being controlled by a sensor and drive unit for precise movement and function differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is increased to provide more vehicle functions, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the interior clutter and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The button module is designed to dynamically change its position between protruding from and retracting into the panel surface. This dynamic positioning allows the same physical button to serve multiple functions by being visible and accessible only when needed, while remaining hidden when not in use, thereby reducing the perceived number of buttons without sacrificing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A single button module is configured to perform multiple different functions by changing its position. When the button protrudes, it can be operated to control different vehicle functions depending on the specific position and context, eliminating the need for multiple separate buttons and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If more buttons are provided to control additional functions, then the operational capability is improved, but the aesthetic quality and interior design are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The button module transitions between visible and hidden states dynamically. When not in use, the button retracts into the panel surface, creating a smooth, continuous, and aesthetically pleasing interior surface. When needed, it protrudes to provide tactile feedback and visual indication for user interaction, thus maintaining aesthetic quality while preserving operational capability
3Ease of operation
If the button is made visible and accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the interior clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button module is positioned to protrude from the panel surface only when a user approaches or interacts with it, providing tactile feedback and visual visibility for easy operation. When no interaction is detected, the button retracts into the panel, reducing the number of visible controls and minimizing interior clutter, thus balancing ease of operation with aesthetic simplicity
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
Improves button visibility and aesthetic appeal, reduces clutter, and simplifies the vehicle interior by allowing buttons to be hidden or protrude as needed, enhancing user experience and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism configured to connect the first rotary link and the second rotary link to the operation module, to induce an angular motion in which the first rotary link and the second rotary link are rotated in opposite directions, and to move the operation module to the first position or the second position according to a direction of the angular motion
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an operation apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus includes a panel with an opening, an operation module capable of moving, through the opening, between a first position and a second position spaced apart from each other in a front-back direction, a first rotary link and a second rotary link, each configured to be rotatably provided at a rear of the operation module and to be paired with each other, a drive source configured to provide a driving force for rotating the first rotary link and the second rotary link, and a cam mechanism configured to connect the first rotary link and the second rotary link to the operation module, to induce an angular motion in which the first rotary link and the second rotary link are rotated in opposite directions, and to move the operation module to the first position or the second position.