Steering Wheel Operating Devices for Vehicle Instrument Cluster
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display and operating systems in motor vehicles have limited functionality, restricting driver interaction and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
The integration of two operating devices on the steering wheel, specifically an outer left and outer right operating device, exclusively interacting with corresponding left and right display devices of the instrument cluster, along with an operating mode selection device featuring a rotatable selector element and button-like boost selection element, enhances functionality and user-friendliness. Additionally, round LCD displays and adaptive backlighting based on selected operating modes provide improved driver feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display devices and operating devices are installed in the vehicle, then the functionality of the display and operating system is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple independent operating devices (left outer, right outer, left inner, right inner operating devices), each assigned to control specific display devices. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, independent control units rather than a single complex control system.
2Ease of operation
If operating devices are assigned to the steering wheel for driver interaction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed as a multi-functional platform that integrates multiple operating devices (outer and inner left/right operating devices, operating mode selection device) into a single component. This universal design allows the steering wheel to provide diverse driver interactions for different display devices and functions without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while managing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated operating devices are provided for each display device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into dedicated operating devices (left outer operating device for left display, right outer operating device for right display, etc.), where each operating device is specifically assigned to control a corresponding display device. This one-to-one mapping simplifies the user interface by providing intuitive, dedicated controls for each display function, improving user-friendliness while organizing complexity into manageable, independent modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a display and operating system of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of display devices (12, 13, 14) combined into an instrument cluster (11), a plurality of operating devices (22, 23, 26, 32) associated with a steering wheel (15), and further display devices and/or operating devices positioned to the side of the instrument cluster, in particular in the vicinity of or in extension of a center console, wherein the steering wheel (15) has an outer left operating device (22), which is used exclusively for the driver-side interaction with an outer left display device (13) of the instrument cluster (11), and wherein the steering wheel (15) has an outer right operating device (23), which is used exclusively for the driver-side interaction with an outer right display device (14) of the instrument cluster (11).