Steering Wheel Control Layout With Haptic Function Grouping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle steering wheel operating units can be difficult for drivers to operate effectively, especially when unfamiliar with the vehicle's operating concept, due to the need for visual monitoring and inadequate differentiation between operating elements and their functions.
Innovation Solution
An operating unit with a relief-like main body featuring a central plateau, upper bevel, and lower bevel, where operating elements are grouped by functional categories, providing haptic and visual cues for intuitive operation, including raised cursor buttons and a touch operating element in a depression for easy access and reduced risk of incorrect activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operating elements are arranged on the steering wheel for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the driver may need to direct gaze to the operating unit causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct haptic zones on the steering wheel operating unit. The central plateau provides a flat, stable surface for thumb operation, while the upper and lower bevels create angled surfaces with different tactile characteristics. This differentiation allows the driver to intuitively understand which elements are for which functions without visual confirmation, maintaining safety while enabling easy operation.
2Device complexity
If operating elements are arranged in a compact layout, then device complexity is reduced, but differentiation between individual operating elements becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface arrangement to a three-dimensional relief structure. By creating a central plateau with upper and lower bevels, the operating elements are distributed across multiple spatial levels and angles. This dimensional change allows compact arrangement while maintaining clear tactile differentiation between elements through varying surface orientations and depths.
3Manufacturing precision
If the operating unit uses a flat design, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but haptic orientation for the driver is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The relief-like main body with its central plateau and bevelled edges creates distinct haptic zones that guide the driver's thumb naturally. The varying surface geometries provide tactile feedback that indicates function groups without requiring visual attention, achieving excellent haptic orientation while remaining manufacturable through standard injection molding or similar processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating unit for arrangement on a steering wheel in a motor vehicle includes a plurality of operating elements of a first functional group and a plurality of operating elements of a second functional group. The operating unit also has a relief-like main body having a central plateau, an upper bevel and a lower bevel, wherein the operating elements of the first functional group are arranged in the central plateau and the operating elements of the second functional group are arranged in the upper bevel and the lower bevel.