Vehicle Accessory Control via Structural Element Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for motor vehicle accessories, such as ventilation and air conditioning systems, are often heavy, bulky, inconvenient to use, and have complex and unreliable fixing mechanisms, making them unsuitable for easy and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control device with delimitation means to identify zones on a structural element, determination means to detect user input, and transformation means to convert input information into control instructions, using sensitive layers, wave emitters and receivers, or light-emitting circuits to simulate a keyboard or project images, allowing for compact, easy-to-use, and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional control devices are used for motor vehicle accessories, then the accessory can be controlled, but the control device becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from a traditional heavy control device and integrates it into the vehicle's existing structural element. The delimitation means, determination means, and transformation means are implemented as separate functional modules that can be integrated into the structural element without adding significant weight, thereby maintaining control reliability while reducing the weight of the control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural element serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the vehicle interior and as the control device housing. The delimitation means, determination means, and transformation means are integrated into this existing structure, allowing the structural element to perform both its original structural function and the new control function, thereby eliminating the need for a separate heavy control device.
2Reliability
If traditional control devices are used for motor vehicle accessories, then the accessory can be controlled, but the control device becomes inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the control interface adaptable to the user's needs. The delimitation means can define different zones on the structural element, and the determination means can detect various types of user inputs (touch, proximity, gesture) at different locations. This allows the control device to provide localized control functions that are convenient for the user while maintaining reliable accessory control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the accessory control. The determination means acts as an intermediary that detects user intent through various input methods (touch, proximity, gesture) and translates it into control signals. This intermediary layer enhances ease of operation by providing multiple intuitive input methods while ensuring reliable transmission of control commands to the accessory.
3Reliability
If traditional control devices are used for motor vehicle accessories, then the accessory can be controlled, but the fixing means become complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control device with the vehicle's existing structural element. The delimitation means, determination means, and transformation means are integrated directly into the structural element, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms. This merging approach reduces device complexity by using the structural element's existing mounting and attachment features, while maintaining reliable accessory control through the integrated control functionality.
4Volume of moving object
If the control device is made compact, then it becomes easier to integrate into the vehicle, but it becomes too small for reliable command entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes another dimension by implementing the control interface on the surface of the structural element rather than requiring a bulky three-dimensional control device. The delimitation means defines zones on the surface, and the determination means detects user inputs across this surface area. This dimensional approach allows the control device to remain compact while providing sufficient space for reliable command entry through touch or proximity detection across the surface zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible control interface elements that can be integrated into the structural element's surface. The delimitation means and determination means can be implemented using flexible sensors or thin-film technologies that conform to the structural element's surface, allowing the control device to maintain a compact form factor while providing adequate interaction area for reliable command entry through touch or proximity gestures.
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 solution provides a lightweight, compact, and user-friendly control device that can be easily integrated into vehicle cabins, offering reliable and efficient control of accessories with minimal distraction to the user, while reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
determination means for identifying the presence of an element facing a said zone or resting thereon and for calculating information relating to the position of this element, wherein the determination means comprises a first device transmitting waves and a second device receiving waves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a delimitation unit (4) delimiting a set of zones (5) of a structural element (6) e.g. anti-dazzle screen, of a vehicle. The zone is associated to a control instruction (11) of an accessory (2) and located on the element. A determination unit (7) determines information (8) relative to a solicitation of the zones and includes infra-red wave transmitter device (20) and infra-red wave receiver device (21). A transformation unit (10) transforms the information into control instruction of the accessory. The unit (4) has a relief arranged on a surface of the element. An independent claim is also included for a method for installing an accessory control device.