Steering Wheel Touch Panel Suspension for Micron-Scale Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel switches for vehicles lack a balance between touch elasticity and stiffness, require large trigger strokes, occupy excessive space, and offer non-adjustable tactile feedback, resulting in a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel switch system comprising an upper assembly, lower assembly, and suspension assembly with a micron-scale pressure sensor and pretensioner, allowing for a small trigger stroke and adjustable tactile feedback, achieving both elasticity and stiffness while occupying a minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a microswitch is used to provide passive feedback, then the switch can be triggered, but the pressing stroke becomes excessively large and the structure occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical microswitch with a magnetic field-based detection system. The first magnetic field detection element detects the position of the second magnetic field detection element through magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and large stroke mechanisms. This substitution reduces the trigger stroke and space occupation while maintaining trigger feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) as the support structure for magnetic field detection elements. The FPC allows the switch assembly to be made thin and flexible, reducing the overall thickness and space occupation of the panel switch while maintaining structural integrity and detection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid valve is used for active tactile feedback, then tactile feedback can be provided, but the tactile feel becomes non-adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable tactile feedback by making the magnetic attraction force dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit can adjust the intensity of the magnetic attraction force applied by the second magnetic field generation element, allowing the tactile feedback characteristics to be modified according to different operating conditions or user preferences. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability while maintaining tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of magnetic force intensity to adjust tactile feedback characteristics. By varying the current or magnetic field strength of the second magnetic field generation element, the system can provide different levels of tactile resistance and feedback, making the tactile feel adjustable without requiring mechanical modification of the solenoid valve structure.
3Volume of moving object
If a strokeless panel switch is used, then the structure becomes compact, but the tactile feel becomes excessively hard and trigger feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stroke-based feedback with magnetic field-based feedback. The magnetic attraction and release between the first and second magnetic field detection/generation elements provides tactile feedback through magnetic force changes rather than mechanical movement. This allows the switch to remain compact with minimal physical stroke while maintaining perceivable tactile feedback through magnetic interaction.
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
The system provides a small, high-integration touch panel switch with adjustable tactile feedback, enhancing user experience by allowing precise trigger activation with minimal stroke and maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension assembly comprises an elastic member and an elastic jaw... The elastic member is connected between the elastic jaw and the housing or the printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The pretensioner provides the micron-scale pressure sensor with an initial value, and a trigger threshold is set for the micron-scale pressure sensor
Implementation Method 3
A micron-scale pressure sensor is mounted on the printed circuit board... the suspension assembly effects a trigger stroke in a Z direction
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel switch system, including an upper assembly, a lower assembly, and a suspension assembly. The upper assembly includes a top cover and an inner support. The top cover and the inner support are fixedly connected to each other. The lower assembly includes a housing and a bottom cover. The top cover and the housing are movably connected to each other. The housing is fixedly connected to the bottom cover. The suspension assembly is connected between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. The suspension assembly effects a trigger stroke in a Z direction. The trigger stroke is at micron scale. Also disclosed is a steering wheel. In the present invention, the trigger stroke is at micron scale, so that the touch panel switch system achieves both touch elasticity and rigidity. Therefore, when the touch panel switch system is triggered, a certain trigger feedback is provided.