Tilt and Turn Dial for Vehicle HMI Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human machine interface (HMI) systems for vehicles are complex and difficult to operate due to the need for multiple input devices, such as switches and dials, which complicates inputting various commands while the vehicle is in operation.
Innovation Solution
A tilt and turn dial system that allows users to input commands by tilting and rotating a single dial in different directions, locking into specific positions to control various functions like HVAC systems, reducing the need for multiple dials and switches, and incorporating a push button for additional commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices (switches and dials) are used to accept various inputs, then the HMI system can handle a wide range of commands, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be tilted forward/backward to select between different systems (HVAC, audio, vehicle functions), tilted left/right to adjust parameters, and rotated to input numerical values. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate switches and dials for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile input capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate control devices (multiple switches and dials) into a single integrated dial control unit. The dial integrates system selection, parameter adjustment, and numerical input functions that were previously distributed across multiple devices, thereby simplifying the HMI interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are provided to handle various commands, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the number of controls increases making operation difficult while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The single dial provides universal control for multiple functions through intuitive motion directions: forward/backward tilt for system selection, left/right tilt for parameter adjustment, and rotation for numerical input. This reduces the cognitive load and physical complexity for drivers compared to operating multiple separate controls
Solution Approach 2:
The dial employs dynamic control where the same physical component responds to different types of user input (tilting in four directions, rotating) to perform different functions. This dynamic responsiveness allows comprehensive control through a single adaptive interface rather than multiple static controls
3Ease of operation
If a single dial is used to consolidate multiple functions, then the number of controls is reduced and operation is simplified, but the dial must perform diverse functions requiring versatile design
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is engineered as a universal control device that handles system selection (forward/backward tilt), parameter adjustment (left/right tilt), and numerical input (rotation). This multi-functional capability allows the dial to replace multiple specialized controls while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dial utilizes multiple degrees of freedom (tilting in four directions plus rotation) to encode different control functions. By adding dimensional complexity to the dial's motion capabilities, the patent achieves versatile functionality while maintaining a simple single-control interface
Data Source
AI summary
A control dial for inputting commands to a human-machine interface (HMI). The control dial includes a base dial mounted to a base configured to support the base dial at a neutral position, a first tilted position tilted in a first direction from the neutral position, and a second tilted position tilted in a second direction from the neutral position. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. An outer dial is rotatably mounted to the base dial such that the outer dial is rotatable to enter commands to the HMI at each one of the neutral position, the first tilted position, and the second tilted position.