Steering Wheel Control Interface for Intuitive Function Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with numerous adjustable functions pose challenges in designing an intuitive human-machine interface that allows drivers to easily operate various settings without compromising safety and comfort, particularly in adjusting adaptive chassis and other driving-related parameters.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel with integrated first and second control elements, featuring displays and actuating devices that allow drivers to select and confirm main and sub-function alternatives without needing to remove their hands from the wheel, using rotary and touch-sensitive interfaces for intuitive operation and reducing the risk of incorrect function activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple control elements with displays are integrated into the steering wheel, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control elements (first control element with first display, second control element with second display), each handling specific functions. This segmentation allows complex vehicle functions to be broken down into manageable control modules, improving ease of operation while distributing complexity across separate components rather than concentrating it in a single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is designed as a multi-functional control interface that integrates multiple control elements, displays, and actuating devices into a single structure. This universal design consolidates various control functions (climate control, entertainment, vehicle settings) into one location, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity through integration rather than addition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sub-function alternatives are dynamically specified based on main function selection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the available sub-function alternatives based on the selected main function alternative. When the driver selects a main function using the first control element, the second control element's display automatically updates to show relevant sub-function alternatives. This dynamic reconfiguration enhances adaptability by providing context-specific options while managing complexity through software-controlled flexibility rather than hardwired configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-organizes sub-function alternatives into groups associated with each main function alternative. This preliminary structuring of functionality allows the display to quickly present relevant options without requiring complex real-time processing, enhancing adaptability while managing computational complexity through pre-planned functional hierarchies.
3Ease of operation
If the displayed main function alternative is automatically confirmed without further user action, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a two-stage confirmation process where the first actuating device selects a main function alternative (partial action) and a separate second actuating device confirms the selection (excessive action). This approach balances ease of operation by requiring minimal actions with reliability by ensuring deliberate confirmation, preventing accidental activations while maintaining simple operation flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the displays showing the selected main function alternative and available sub-function alternatives before confirmation. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to verify the selection matches their intent before final confirmation, enhancing reliability without adding physical complexity to the control interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering wheel (100) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a first operator control element (10r) for selecting a main function from amongst at least two main function alternatives using an integrated first display (12r) for displaying the main function alternatives comprising a first operating device (14r) for cycling through the main function alternatives which are displayed on the first display (12r), - a second operator control element (101) for selecting a subfunction from amongst at least two subfunction alternatives using an integrated second display (121) for displaying the subfunction alternatives comprising a second operating device (141) for cycling through or changing the subfunction alternatives which can be displayed on the second display (121), wherein the subfunction alternatives which can be selected by the second operator control element (101) and can be displayed by the second display (121) are prespecified depending on the main function which is selected by means of the first operator control element (10r).