Steering Wheel Vibration Control for Clear Directional Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vibration systems require multiple actuators, leading to high costs, and existing single-actuator systems fail to clearly transmit information due to cross-side vibration propagation.
Innovation Solution
A control device that utilizes a pair of vibration devices on the steering wheel, one on each side, to cancel out vibrations at specific points using amplitude and phase adjustments, allowing clear information transmission while minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a plurality of actuators are used to transmit information through vibration, then information transmission clarity is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple vibration zones with separate vibration devices positioned at different locations (e.g., left and right sides). Each vibration device can be independently controlled to vibrate specific segments, allowing clear directional information transmission without requiring a plurality of actuators throughout the entire steering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the steering wheel are assigned different vibration characteristics. By positioning vibration devices at specific locations and controlling them to vibrate only their local regions, the system achieves clear information transmission while minimizing the number of actuators needed, as each actuator serves a specific localized function.
2Device complexity
If a single vibrator is used to reduce cost, then device cost decreases, but information transmission clarity deteriorates due to cross-side vibration propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is segmented into distinct vibration zones, each served by its own vibration device. This segmentation allows a single vibration device to be confined to a specific zone, preventing vibration propagation to other sides, while still providing clear directional information through localized vibration patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vibration device is designed to produce vibrations with specific local characteristics at its position on the steering wheel. By controlling the vibration properties (frequency, amplitude, direction) at each local position, the system achieves clear information transmission without requiring multiple actuators, as each device operates independently in its designated zone.
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 clear and directed vibration-based information transmission to the driver, enhancing the clarity of alerts and notifications without the need for multiple actuators.
Implementation Method 1
techniques of transmitting information to an occupant of a vehicle by vibrating a vibration device mounted on a driving operator of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a setting unit that sets a predetermined point at which the vibration of the first vibration device and the vibration of the second vibration device cancel each other out by setting an amplitude ratio between an amplitude of the vibration of the first vibration device and an amplitude of the vibration of the second vibration device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control device for controlling vibrations generated by a vibration device group including at least a first vibration device and a second vibration device which are mounted on a driving operator of a vehicle, the control device including a control unit that causes the vibration device group to reproduce vibrations in a predetermined direction using the vibration of the first vibration device and the vibration of the second vibration device.