Touch Screen Accessory Control Interface for Vehicle Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems require multiple hard-wired switches for various accessories, leading to complex wiring and a lack of a unified interface for controlling these accessories.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller with a touch screen display that communicates with accessories via a communication system, allowing drivers to input commands through a virtual interface, eliminating the need for individual switches and wiring by transmitting commands wirelessly or through a hard-wired connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual hard-wired switches are used for each accessory, then each accessory can be controlled independently, but the wiring complexity and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual accessory control switches into a single integrated touch screen display interface. The controller receives touch inputs from the user and transmits consolidated commands through a communication system to multiple accessories, eliminating the need for separate hard-wired switches for each accessory while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen display serves as a universal control interface for multiple different accessories (windows, doors, locks, audio system, HVAC, seats, diagnostics, sensors, lighting). A single device performs the function of numerous individual switches, allowing one interface to control diverse vehicle accessories through a communication system rather than dedicated wiring for each switch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual switches are installed for different accessories, then each accessory has dedicated control, but the quantity of components and wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display functions as a universal controller for all vehicle accessories including windows, doors, locks, audio entertainment system, visual entertainment system, HVAC system, power adjustment mechanisms, diagnostic mechanisms, sensor systems, and lighting systems. This single universal interface replaces numerous individual switches, dramatically reducing the quantity of control components and associated wiring while maintaining comprehensive accessory control coverage.
3Device complexity
If a touch screen interface is implemented for all accessories, then wiring complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation may be affected by the learning curve of the new interface
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display presents virtual images of physical accessories (windows, doors, locks, seats, etc.) that mirror their actual positions and states. This visual copying allows users to intuitively understand and control accessories by interacting with their graphical representations, reducing the learning curve and maintaining ease of operation despite the interface change. The virtual representation makes the system familiar and accessible.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.