Touch Panel Knob Assembly for Tactile In-Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-vehicle systems with touch panels require drivers to divert attention from the road to adjust vehicle functions, posing safety concerns due to the need for visual interaction.
Innovation Solution
A knob device integrated with a touch panel that allows for physical knob functions, utilizing a layered structure with conductive pads and interconnectors to detect rotation and press operations through capacitance changes, enabling hands-free control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch panel is used for vehicle control, then the system can be integrated and modern, but drivers must divert attention from the road to adjust functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a physical knob structure with a touch panel surface, merging tactile mechanical input with visual display technology. The knob is integrated into the touch panel layers, allowing drivers to physically rotate or press the knob while viewing the display, eliminating the need to look away from the road for mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The knob acts as an intermediary device between the driver and the touch panel system. It provides a tactile interface that translates physical rotation or pressing actions into control signals, mediating between the driver's intent and the digital display system while maintaining visual attention on the road
2Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical knobs are used, then drivers can control functions without visual distraction, but the system lacks integration with modern touch interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conventional mechanical knob structure with modern touch panel technology by integrating the knob as part of the multi-layer touch panel assembly. The knob maintains its tactile rotation and pressing capabilities while being structurally integrated with the touch-sensitive display layers, achieving both hands-free control and system integration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated knob structure serves multiple functions: it provides tactile rotation control, pressing input capability, and visual feedback through the touch panel display. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace separate mechanical controls while maintaining compatibility with modern digital interfaces
3Ease of operation
If a physical knob is integrated into the touch panel, then tactile feedback is provided, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the knob is integrated within the multi-layer touch panel assembly. The knob structure is positioned between and integrated with functional layers including conductive layers, insulating layers, and touch-sensitive layers, allowing tactile feedback while maintaining a compact integrated form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The knob incorporates thin-film conductive structures and flexible insulating layers that provide tactile feedback mechanisms. These thin-film elements allow the knob to maintain structural integrity while providing touch-sensitive feedback and electrical connection capabilities without adding significant bulk or complexity
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
Enhances driving safety by allowing drivers to adjust vehicle functions without visual distraction, leveraging a controller to interpret capacitance changes for precise control.
Implementation Method 1
The first conductive part and the first conductive pads with the interconnects are connectable to provide a plurality of press states in response to a press operation
Data Source
AI summary
A knob device including a first layer and a second layer is provided. The first layer is disposed on a touch panel. The first layer includes a plurality of first conductive pads with interconnectors. The second layer is disposed on the first layer. The second layer includes a first conductive part. The first conductive part and the first conductive pads with the interconnects are connectable to provide a plurality of press states in response to a press operation.