Rotating Steering Wheel Proximity Sensor Function Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering wheels with user input control buttons are limited in their ability to efficiently and intuitively manage multiple functions as the steering wheel rotates, requiring complex button positioning and user interaction that can be cumbersome and difficult to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering wheel with a rotatable rim equipped with proximity sensors or capacitive sensors on multiple sides, a steering angle sensor, and a controller that assigns functions to sensors based on the wheel's rotation, allowing for intuitive user input detection and management of vehicle functions through touch and pressure commands, displayed via an integrated display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pushbutton switches are used on the steering wheel, then user input control is provided, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to navigate when the steering wheel rotates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor function assignments change dynamically based on the steering wheel's rotational position. The controller continuously monitors the steering wheel angle and reassigns functions to different proximity sensors as the wheel rotates, ensuring that functions remain at consistent spatial positions relative to the driver. This dynamic reassignment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system to the rotating geometry, maintaining ease of operation while managing complexity through software control rather than fixed mechanical button positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sensor function assignment based on the steering wheel rotation angle. By using the steering angle sensor to determine which proximity sensors are active at given positions and assigning functions accordingly, the system maintains consistent functional positions in space despite the physical rotation of the wheel. This parameter-based approach resolves the contradiction by decoupling the physical rotation from functional position, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through parameter-based control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are managed on a rotating steering wheel with fixed buttons, then comprehensive control is achieved, but user interaction becomes cumbersome and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling each proximity sensor to serve multiple functions depending on its angular position. Instead of dedicating specific buttons to specific functions, the same physical sensor locations can control different functions at different rotation angles. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive vehicle control while improving user interaction, as users interact with consistent spatial positions rather than navigating complex fixed-button layouts. The controller manages this universality by dynamically assigning functions based on the detected steering wheel angle.
3Area of stationary object
If proximity sensors are spaced apart along the arc length of the rim, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple sensor readings and function assignments into a unified control system. Instead of treating each proximity sensor independently, the controller integrates inputs from multiple sensors spaced around the rim and manages their functions collectively based on the steering wheel angle. This merging approach achieves comprehensive sensor coverage while managing system complexity through centralized control logic that processes all sensor inputs and coordinate transformations in a unified manner.
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
Enables seamless and intuitive control of vehicle functions as the steering wheel rotates, maintaining functional associations at fixed positions, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency by simplifying input management and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
each of the capacitive sensors includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a compliant dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a compliant dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes
Implementation Method 3
a steering angle sensor sensing an angle of rotation of the rim
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of proximity sensors located on the rim and spaced apart from one another along an arc length
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a rotatable rim comprising a core structure, a steering angle sensor sensing an angle of rotation of the rim, and a plurality of proximity sensors located on the rim and spaced apart from one another along an arc length. The vehicle steering wheel also includes a controller processing sensed outputs generated by each of the plurality of proximity sensors and determining operator input commands based on the sensed outputs. The controller assigns a function to each of the proximity sensors that changes as the rim is rotated at an angle such that a given function associated with a proximity sensor remains at the same position in space.