Multi-function Vehicle Hand Control with Intermediary Center Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in providing intuitive and accessible multi-function hand controls for operators with varying thumb sizes, particularly those with smaller thumbs, due to the clustering of buttons that require significant reach and proper sizing to maintain control while operating the vehicle, especially when wearing gloves.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function hand control design featuring a housing with a center button that can be pressed inward for activation, allowing for the operation of inboard and outboard buttons without requiring direct thumb movement, enabling operators to control directional pads and additional functions with reduced thumb reach, thereby accommodating operators with smaller thumbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buttons are clustered at respective pods adjacent to hand grips to provide multi-function controls, then the quantity of controllable functions is increased, but the thumb reach requirement increases and operators with smaller thumbs find it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The center button acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates a single thumb pressing action into activation of multiple different buttons (inboard button, outboard button, or both simultaneously) depending on the precise location where the thumb contacts the center button. This mediator allows one thumb position to control multiple functions without requiring the operator to reach for each button individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The center button is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal control element that can activate the inboard button, the outboard button, or both buttons simultaneously based on where the operator's thumb applies pressure. This single button performs the function of multiple separate buttons, reducing the spread required across the control interface.
2Ease of operation
If buttons are spaced apart to accommodate operators with larger thumbs and gloves, then ease of operation is improved, but the overall size of the control cluster increases and operators with smaller thumbs still have limited reach
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface merges the functions of multiple separate buttons into a single interactive area centered on the center button. By combining the activation zones of the inboard button, outboard button, and center button into one unified control region, the overall area required is significantly reduced compared to having all buttons spaced apart individually, while still providing access to multiple functions.
3Ease of operation
If the inboard button is made independently operable by direct thumb pressing, then ease of operation is improved, but the thumb must reach further inward which complicates the spacing and reach requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The center button serves as an intermediary that provides indirect access to the inboard button. Instead of requiring the thumb to reach directly to the inboard button from the outer position, the operator can press the center button (which is more accessible) and through the mechanical linkage, activate the inboard button as well. This mediator simplifies the reach requirement while maintaining independent operability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function hand control for a vehicle includes a housing configured for support on a handlebar having an inboard end, an outboard end, and a front surface configured to face a vehicle operator. A plurality of buttons are configured for operation by the vehicle operator's thumb with the operator's hand positioned adjacent the outboard end of the housing, the plurality of buttons including an inboard button, an outboard button, and a center button between the inboard and outboard buttons. Each one of the plurality of buttons is operable from an at-rest position to an activated position by directly pressing inward on an outer surface thereof. The inboard button is additionally operable from its at-rest position to its activated position by pressing an outboard portion of the center button in a direction toward the inboard button.