Vehicle Control Element Centered Mounting and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for motor vehicle operating elements that pivot about an axis of rotation lack a simple, inexpensive, and stable mechanical design with effective haptic feedback, particularly in the precise arrangement of switching elements and implementation of haptic feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A control element is mounted centered on a middle bearing point with centering sections, supported by swivel joints and slot guides, and utilizes an electromagnetic actuator for haptic feedback, combined with a disk-shaped force sensor to detect actuation forces and provide capacitive sensor surfaces for multiple operating functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a lightweight plastic strip is used for the control element, then weight is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but mechanical rigidity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control element combines a plastic strip with metallic pivot pins and swivel joints to create a composite structure that leverages the weight advantages of plastic while incorporating the strength and rigidity of metal components where mechanically critical
Solution Approach 2:
Spherical pivot pins are used in the swivel joints to provide point contact mounting for the control element, reducing friction and improving rotational movement while maintaining structural integrity despite the lightweight plastic construction
2Manufacturing precision
If the control element is mounted on fixed bearing points, then positioning precision improves, but mechanical play and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is mounted on floating swivel joints that allow dynamic adjustment and self-centering during operation, eliminating mechanical play while maintaining precise positioning through the spherical pivot mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The slot guides act as intermediary elements between the fixed housing and the floating control element, providing constrained guidance that maintains positioning precision while accommodating the floating mounting to reduce friction and play
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical switching elements are used, then switching function is achieved, but haptic feedback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical contact switches are replaced with capacitive sensor surfaces that detect actuation through electrical field changes, eliminating mechanical wear and providing superior haptic feedback through electromagnetic actuation of the pivot mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator generates controlled vibrations and haptic feedback through the pivot mechanism when switching functions are activated, providing tactile response without mechanical contact wear
4Ease of manufacture
If the control element is mounted off-center, then mounting simplicity improves, but pivoting stability and feedback quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control element features asymmetric centering sections with different lengths on opposite sides, which self-align the element during mounting to achieve precise centered positioning on the pivot axis without requiring complex alignment procedures
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
This design allows for a stable, low-friction, and low-backlash mounting of a lightweight plastic strip with precise haptic feedback, enabling effective actuation and differentiation between force directions, enhancing user interaction with the operating element.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator which temporarily displaces the control element in the direction of the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
The force sensor can be designed particularly advantageously as a disk-shaped sensor that works according to a capacitive principle of action
Implementation Method 3
A lifting armature magnet can advantageously be used as an actuator in combination with a return spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for operating multiple functions in a motor vehicle, comprising an operating element which is mounted in a pivotal manner about a rotational axle and can thereby be moved between at least two positions, wherein at least one of the positions is associated with a switching function, different functions can be triggered by manually actuating the operating element, and the operating element produces haptic feedback upon being actuated. End sections of the rotational axle of the operating element are mounted in two elongated hole guides at two lateral mounting points, said hole guides being oriented along a vertical axis, and the haptic feedback is carried out by an electromagnetic actuator which temporarily moves the operating element in the axial direction of the rotational axle. The operating element is mounted in a centered manner at a central mounting point relative to the direction of the vertical axis, and the operating element is supported on the joint pins of at least two hinge joints.