Vehicle Command Mechanism With Distance-Dependent Haptic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing command mechanisms for vehicles do not adequately minimize driver distraction and are not accessible for visually impaired individuals, as they rely on visual cues and mechanical vibrations for feedback, lacking intuitive and multi-modal interaction methods.
Innovation Solution
A command mechanism that uses a detection mechanism to differentiate between various approach distances from the contact surface, generating distinct vibrations to guide the user's hand towards the surface, allowing for precise actuation and providing tactile feedback without visual attention, and enabling use by visually impaired individuals through multiple command areas and modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual cues are used for command mechanism feedback, then the user can easily understand the command status, but the driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual feedback mechanisms with tactile feedback mechanisms. Specifically, it uses vibration motors to generate haptic feedback that communicates command status to the user through touch rather than sight. This substitution eliminates the need for visual attention while maintaining effective information transmission about command execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tactile sensation as an intermediary medium between the command mechanism and the user. The vibration motor acts as a mediator that translates electronic command signals into physical vibrations that the user can feel, thereby conveying system status without requiring visual engagement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical vibration feedback is provided, then the driver distraction is reduced, but the feedback intensity is insufficient for visually impaired individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic vibration feedback by varying the intensity, frequency, and pattern of vibrations based on the detected hand approach distance. As the hand approaches the contact surface, the vibration intensity increases and the pattern changes to provide progressive guidance. This dynamic adaptation ensures that visually impaired users receive sufficiently intense and differentiated feedback to understand command status and guide their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-stage feedback mechanisms where vibration characteristics change in response to user actions. The system detects hand approach through sensors and provides corresponding vibration feedback at different stages (distant approach, close approach, contact made). This progressive feedback loop enables visually impaired users to understand their interaction progress and achieve precise command activation.
3Measurement precision
If the command mechanism requires precise actuation, then the command accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides preliminary tactile guidance through vibration feedback before the actual command activation is required. By detecting hand approach in advance and providing progressive vibration cues, the system prepares the user for the upcoming interaction. This preliminary action enables visually impaired users to position their hand accurately without requiring complex fine-motor skills or visual correction during the final activation moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback during the approach and activation process. Sensors detect hand position and trigger corresponding vibration patterns that guide the user toward precise contact. The feedback confirms when the hand is near the target area and when contact is made, enabling users to achieve precise actuation through tactile cues rather than visual feedback or complex coordination.
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 significantly reduces driver distraction by providing intuitive, multi-modal feedback and allowing visually impaired individuals to interact with vehicle systems safely and efficiently, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the detection mechanism is configured to detect the presence of an element at a first distance from the contact surface and the presence of the element at a second distance from the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
a vibration mechanism configured to generate a vibration... haptic feedback is a mechanical vibration and it indicates to the driver that their command has been received
Implementation Method 3
the contact surface is deformable from a released position to a depressed position, under the action of pressure exerted by the element on the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A command mechanism for vehicle includes: a support having a contact surface; a detection mechanism configured to detect a finger of a user in command position pressing on the contact surface; and a vibration mechanism that is configured to generate a distant-approach vibration when the detection mechanism detects the presence of the element at the first distance from the contact surface and a more intense, close-approach vibration when the detection mechanism detects the presence of the element at a second distance from the contact surface.