Thermal Haptic Feedback Steering Wheel Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior systems rely on visual and auditory cues, requiring drivers to divert attention from the road to access information about vehicle systems, which is inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior panel utilizing a heat transfer device to create a perceptible temperature differential on its surface, allowing drivers to actively seek and receive information about vehicle systems through touch, without needing to look away, and optionally incorporating a vibrational actuator for confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual indicators (speedometer, indicator lights) are used to communicate vehicle system information, then information communication is achieved, but driver attention must be diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from visual information communication (2D screen/panel) to tactile information communication (thermal feedback on the steering wheel surface). By embedding heat transfer devices within the steering wheel, the system uses the third dimension of touch to convey vehicle system status, allowing drivers to obtain information through tactile sensation while maintaining visual attention on the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal feedback as an intermediary medium between the driver and vehicle system information. Instead of direct visual contact with displays or auditory signals, the driver interacts with thermally responsive elements on the steering wheel that translate system status into perceptible temperature changes, providing indirect but safe information access.
2Loss of information
If audio signals are used to provide vehicle system information, then information is conveyed passively, but the driver cannot actively seek specific information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active feedback mechanism where the driver's tactile interaction with the steering wheel surface directly queries the system status. When the driver touches specific regions of the steering wheel, thermal feedback immediately responds by heating or cooling those areas to indicate system on/off states, enabling active information seeking rather than passive reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel surface itself serves as the information display medium. The heat transfer devices embedded in the steering wheel autonomously regulate the temperature of contacted regions based on the underlying system state, allowing the interface to self-communicate information without requiring separate displays or audio systems.
3Loss of information
If vibrational indicators are used to provide feedback, then real-time status indication is achieved, but information actively sought by the driver is not effectively provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for feedback from vibration (mechanical oscillation) to thermal state (temperature). By controlling the temperature of specific steering wheel regions through Peltier devices or resistive heating elements, the system provides distinguishable thermal patterns that convey system status, offering a new parameter for active information exploration.
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 drivers to safely and efficiently access information about vehicle systems by providing tactile feedback, reducing the need to visually or audibly confirm system status, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer device is a Peltier device
Implementation Method 2
The metal layer has a thickness that occupies the majority of a distance between the heat transfer device and the outer surface
Implementation Method 3
The decorative layer is located between the heat transfer device and the outer surface, and the graphic image is printed on a front side of the decorative layer
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle system information is communicated to a vehicle occupant by thermal haptics. A heat transfer device, such as a Peltier device, is used to locally control the temperature of an interaction area along an outer surface of a vehicle interior panel. A temperature differential between the interaction area and an adjacent area indicates the current status and/or the location of a control for the system. Multiple heat transfer devices can be used to provide a temperature gradient along the outer surface of the panel to provide the occupant with a thermally perceptible indicator of an available range of temperatures and/or a temperature setpoint for the vehicle system.