Switchable Rotary Actuator for Seamless Infotainment Module Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle infotainment systems require users to exit and re-enter menus when switching between active control modules, such as navigation and media playback, leading to inconvenience and loss of settings.
Innovation Solution
A rotary pushbutton operating device with a coupling mechanism that allows switching between two control modules by translational deflection, enabling exclusive output of actuating signals to either module, with automatic switching back to the first module after a predetermined time or user input, and displaying status information for the second module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between control modules by exiting and re-entering menus, then control modules can be operated alternately, but user convenience deteriorates and settings are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component that mediates between the operating device and multiple control modules. This coupling device maintains active connections to multiple control modules simultaneously, allowing users to switch between them without fully exiting menus, thus preserving settings and improving operational continuity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes preliminary connections to multiple control modules through the coupling device before switching is needed. By pre-maintaining these connections and keeping menu states active in the background, the system prepares for quick switching without requiring users to re-enter menus or lose settings, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving multi-module adaptability
2Device complexity
If multiple control modules are operated with a single operating device, then device complexity is reduced, but switching between modules becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different control modules through a single interface. The coupling device enables this multi-functionality by routing signals from the single operating device to multiple control modules, reducing the number of operating devices needed while maintaining ease of switching through a unified control mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If control modules are switched by using separate mechanical control knobs, then module selection is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single operating device universal by equipping it with a coupling device that can connect to and control multiple control modules. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical control knobs for each module, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to select and operate multiple control modules through one unified interface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (32) for a motor vehicle (10), said operating device (32) comprising a rotary actuator (34) with control knob (40) that can be rotated about a rotational axis (42) and the rotary actuator (34) being designed to produce a control signal (S) when the control knob (40) is rotated, and the control knob (40) being designed such that it can be translationally moved transversely to the rotational axis (42). The aim of the invention is to allow the alternate operation of two control modules (14, 20) by means of the same operating device. For this purpose, a coupling device (50) for coupling the operating device (32) to a first control module (14) and to a second control module (20) is provided, said coupling device (32) being designed to output the control signal (S) in a first switch position solely to the first control module (14) and in a second switch position solely to the second control module (20) and to switch from the first to the second switch position when the operating knob (40) is moved in a predetermined movement direction (48).