Steering Wheel Touchpad Integration for Driver Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle control systems are complex and distract drivers, especially when operating multifunction devices, requiring improved operator control methods that minimize distraction and enhance quick operation.

Innovation Solution

Integration of touchpads into the steering wheel, positioned in channels with specific curvatures and orientations, allowing for command input without a display underneath, and utilizing haptic feedback actuators, with a coordination module to generate commands based on simultaneous touching motions on multiple touchpads for controlling vehicle functions like radio reception, map details, and temperature adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating elements are integrated into the steering wheel for controlling various vehicle functions, then the functionality and versatility of the control system is improved, but the device complexity and driver distraction increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering wheel is divided into multiple segments or zones, each equipped with specific operating elements for different functions. The touchpad is integrated into a specific region of the steering wheel, allowing functions to be segmented and accessed from different locations rather than consolidating all controls in one complex interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single touchpad operating element is designed to perform multiple functions through different interaction modes (touching, sliding, pressing). This universal element can control various vehicle functions including radio, navigation, and climate control, reducing the need for multiple separate controls while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The touchpad serves as an intermediary interface between the driver and the vehicle's control systems. By providing a intuitive sliding and touching interface directly on the steering wheel, it mediates control operations without requiring the driver to remove hands from the wheel or visually search for controls, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If a display is integrated underneath the touchpad for providing visual feedback, then the information provision is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation provisionVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display function is extracted from the touchpad assembly and separated into a distinct component located elsewhere in the vehicle interior. This allows the touchpad to remain a simple input device without the complexity of integrating display technology underneath it, while still providing visual feedback through the separate display unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10906401B2Touch-pad integrated steering wheel for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 VOLKSWAGEN AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel and a touchpad integrated into the steering wheel, situated in a channel, and adapted to input commands.