Vehicle Control Knob With Haptic Cues for Multi-Function Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face challenges in providing easy and safe operation of diverse functions due to complex controls and limited space, leading to driver distraction.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional operating device with a control element that integrates volume, driving experience, and ambient mode settings, using color-coded illumination and haptic feedback, allowing operation through a single control element with visual and tactile cues, and optionally an infotainment display for additional functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional plastic materials are used for the operating device, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device lacks an upscale appearance and premium feel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidappearance quality and premium feel
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures combining metal layers (for premium appearance and tactile feel) with plastic substrates (for manufacturing ease and cost-effectiveness), creating a multifunctional operating device that achieves both upscale appearance and reasonable manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If metal materials are used for the operating device, then an upscale appearance and premium feel are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and processing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance quality and premium feelVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and processing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structures where metal layers provide premium appearance and tactile properties while plastic substrates maintain manufacturing ease and cost-effectiveness, avoiding the full cost and processing complexity of solid metal construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4440862B1Multifunctional operating device for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4440862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4440862B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional operating device (2, 3, 26) for a motor vehicle (25) and to a motor vehicle (25) equipped therewith. The operating device (2, 3, 26) has a multifunctional operating element (2) for operating a plurality of different predefined functions. These predefined functions comprise setting a volume for an acoustic output by means of a loudspeaker device and setting a driving experience. A driving mode (19) of the motor vehicle (25) and an ambience mode (23) of the motor vehicle (25) can be set by means of the operating element (2) in order to set the driving experience.