Ring-Shaped Steering Wheel Interface for Haptic Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for operating onboard devices while steering a vehicle require drivers to release their grip on the steering wheel, compromising safety and handling due to the need to visually locate and operate touch input detectors.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped device operating unit attached to the steering wheel in a rotatable, tiltable, and slidable manner, allowing operation without releasing the grip, with a device controller determining actions based on movement and position, and a locking mechanism to prevent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touch input detectors are disposed in the spoke section for safe operation, then the detectors can be touched without releasing the steering wheel grip, but the driver has to shift line of vision to locate the detectors and may move thumbs away from appropriate grip positions
Solution Approach 1:
The device operating unit is configured as a ring-shaped component that surrounds the outer periphery of the gripping section, transitioning from a two-dimensional surface layout to a three-dimensional circumferential structure. This allows the operating unit to be accessible from multiple directions while maintaining proper grip positions on the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped device operating unit can be operated through multiple movement types (rotation, tilting, sliding) providing universal access for different driving scenarios and preferences, while maintaining a single integrated structure that doesn't interfere with steering grip.
2Ease of operation
If the device operating unit is disposed in the spoke section, then it can be accessed by thumbs, but the driver has to visually locate the detectors which distracts attention from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual detection with haptic detection by configuring the device operating unit with protrusions that can be touched and operated by thumb tips. The detection mechanism responds to tactile contact forces rather than visual input, allowing drivers to operate controls through touch alone without visual distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped device operating unit acts as an intermediary between the driver's thumb and the onboard device control system. It translates various thumb movements (rotation, tilting, sliding) into device operations while providing tactile feedback, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct visual engagement with control indicators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device operating unit allows free movement for versatile operation, then multiple operation modes are available, but erroneous operations may occur without proper confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The device controller provides feedback by determining device operations based on detected movement types and movement amounts. This feedback mechanism confirms the intended operation to the driver, allowing correction before execution and preventing erroneous operations while maintaining versatile control modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device operating unit is configured to detect different movement dynamics (rotation angle, tilting direction, sliding distance) and interpret them as different operation commands. This dynamic response system allows versatile operation modes while maintaining accuracy by matching the specific movement characteristics to the intended device function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operating a device upon steering includes a device operating unit and a device controller. The device operating unit is ring-shaped and is disposed to surround an outer periphery of a gripping section. The device operating unit is attached in a rotatable manner about a central axis of the device operating unit and is attached in a tiltable manner such that opposite ends of the central axis rock. The device controller controls operation of an onboard device in accordance with movement of the device operating unit.