Vehicle Haptic Alert Layout for Directional Occupant Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle alert systems lack the ability to provide clear, directional, and multi-dimensional feedback to occupants about vehicle conditions and external surroundings, often relying on visual and auditory cues that may not be effective in all situations, particularly in noisy environments or for occupants engaged in activities that distract from visual or auditory alerts.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of force generators positioned throughout the vehicle, in communication with interior and exterior sensors, to produce haptic and auditory signals that provide a three-dimensional feedback, including directional cues, by activating force generators at specific touch points and resonating substrates to create vibrations and sounds that guide the occupant's attention to the source of the alert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual and auditory alert signals are used in noisy environments, then the alert can be transmitted to occupants, but the effectiveness of the alert is reduced due to environmental noise and occupant distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory alert mechanisms with haptic feedback mechanisms. Force generators create tactile vibrations and movements that transmit alert information through physical contact points (steering wheel, seat, door panel), substituting the acoustic field with a mechanical contact field that is immune to environmental noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces force generators as intermediary devices between the control system and the occupant. These generators convert electrical signals into localized mechanical forces and vibrations at specific touch points, creating an intermediate tactile communication channel that bypasses the noisy auditory environment.
2Loss of information
If multiple force generators are positioned throughout the vehicle to provide three-dimensional feedback, then directional and multi-dimensional alert information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alert system into multiple independent force generator units distributed at different locations throughout the vehicle (steering wheel, seat, door panel, headrest). Each unit can be independently controlled to provide localized haptic feedback, enabling directional information transmission while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional alert delivery (visual displays, auditory speakers) to three-dimensional haptic feedback by utilizing spatial distribution of force generators throughout the vehicle interior. The direction and location of alerts are encoded through the spatial arrangement and selective activation of generators at different touch points.
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 system effectively communicates vehicle conditions and external alerts through intuitive, multi-dimensional feedback, enhancing safety by providing clear and directional haptic signals that do not require visual or auditory attention, thus improving situational awareness without distracting occupants.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of force generators are positioned in communication with the plurality of resonating substrates, respectively. The controller operates the plurality of force generators to act on at least one of the plurality of resonating substrates
Implementation Method 2
The body and the frame incorporate a plurality of resonating substrates. The controller operates the plurality of force generators to act on at least one of the plurality of resonating substrates to produce an auditory signal
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of force generators are positioned proximate the occupant touch points. The controller operates the plurality of force generators to provide a signal having a three-dimensional component
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame. A body is coupled with the frame and defines a passenger cabin therein. The body has a plurality of interior sensors and a plurality of exterior sensors. A plurality of seating positions are within the passenger cabin. Each seating position has a plurality of occupant touch points. A plurality of force generators are positioned proximate the occupant touch points. A controller is in communication with the plurality of interior sensors, the plurality of exterior sensors and the plurality of force generators. The controller operates the plurality of force generators in response to sensed feedback from at least one sensor of the plurality of interior sensors and the plurality of exterior sensors.