Vehicle Dial Knob Automatic Return Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices for vehicles, particularly those using dial knobs, lack a mechanism to automatically return the dial knob to a predetermined reference position, which can affect user convenience and vehicle image when the user is not actively manipulating the device.

Innovation Solution

An input device with a light emitter and receiver system, a motor, and a controller that rotates the dial knob to a preset position based on the operation of the light receiver, ensuring the dial knob returns to a customized logo-facing position when not in use, enhancing user experience and vehicle aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dial knob is used for vehicle input devices, then user operation convenience is improved, but the dial knob remains at arbitrary positions after use affecting vehicle image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser operation convenienceVSAvoiddial knob position alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically returning the dial knob to the reference position (where the logo is properly oriented) after the user finishes using the device. This is achieved through the controller detecting when the AVN device is turned off and activating the motor to rotate the dial knob back to its initial position, ensuring the customized logo faces the correct direction and maintaining vehicle aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Shape

If automatic return function is added to the dial knob, then vehicle image is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedial knob position alignmentVSAvoidinput device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor serves multiple functions: it can rotate the dial knob in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and can rotate it by various angles (90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, or 360 degrees) depending on the current position. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle all position correction needs without requiring separate mechanisms for each rotation direction or angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a light emitter and light receiver to detect the position of the dial knob. The light emitter emits light and the light receiver detects whether the light passes through a transparent portion of the dial knob, providing feedback to the controller about the current position. Based on this feedback, the controller determines when the dial knob has returned to the reference position and stops the motor, achieving precise position control without complex sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If light emitter and receiver system is implemented, then dial knob position detection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedial knob position detectionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses inexpensive light emitter and light receiver components that are readily available and easy to manufacture. These components are positioned on the same circuit board, reducing assembly complexity and cost. The transparent portion of the dial knob acts as a simple optical marker that can be integrated during normal manufacturing processes without requiring specialized materials or complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 allows for automatic return of the dial knob to a predetermined reference position, improving user convenience and maintaining the vehicle's image by ensuring the dial knob is aligned with the customized logo, even when the user is not actively using the device, and enables tactile recognition of driving directions.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter provided on an upper side of the body; a light receiver provided at the upper side of the body to be spaced from the light emitter and configured to receive light irradiated from the light emitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

a motor connected to the dial knob and configured to rotate the dial knob

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11241964B2Input device and vehicle comprising the same

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An input device configured for enhancing the image formed on the vehicle may include a body; a light emitter provided on an upper side of the body; a light receiver provided at the upper side of the body to be spaced from the light emitter and configured to receive light irradiated from the light emitter to operate; a dial knob supported by the body and rotatable around a rotation axis of the dial knob in a response to a user's manipulation; a protruding portion protruding from a bottom portion of the dial knob between the light emitter and the light receiver to selectively transmit the light irradiated from the light emitter toward the light receiver according to a rotation of the dial knob; a motor connected to the dial knob and configured to rotate the dial knob; and a controller configured to control the motor based on whether the light receiver is operated.