Vehicle Haptic Feedback Control for Silent EV State Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The absence of engine noise in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) reduces auditory and sensory cues, making them less noticeable and potentially increasing the risk of accidents, especially in urban environments. Additionally, users lack feedback on the vehicle's state, acceleration, and speed, which can lead to difficulties in controlling the vehicle and maintaining situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback system comprising one or more control units and a plurality of haptic units mounted in predefined locations within the vehicle. The system provides tactile feedback to the user based on predefined conditions, such as ignition state and vehicle speed, modulating the intensity of haptic feedback according to vehicle parameters using a non-linear function, such as an inverse parabolic function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If EVs/HEVs operate without engine noise to reduce pollution, then environmental benefits are improved, but user awareness and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces haptic feedback units as an intermediary mechanism that translates vehicle operational parameters into tactile sensations. These haptic units act as a mediator between the silent electric propulsion system and the user, providing sensory feedback without requiring auditory or visual cues, thus maintaining the environmental benefits while improving user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional acoustic feedback mechanism (engine noise) with a haptic feedback system. Instead of relying on mechanical combustion engine noise to provide user awareness, the system uses controlled haptic actuation through specialized feedback units that generate tactile sensations proportional to vehicle operational parameters.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If EVs/HEVs eliminate engine noise, then noise pollution is reduced, but feedback on vehicle state and speed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where vehicle operational parameters (speed, acceleration, torque) are continuously monitored and translated into corresponding haptic feedback through feedback units. This creates an information feedback loop that compensates for the loss of traditional auditory feedback, allowing users to perceive vehicle state through tactile sensations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms vehicle operational parameters (speed, acceleration, torque) into haptic feedback parameters (vibration intensity, frequency, pattern). The control unit processes operational parameters and modulates the haptic feedback units accordingly, creating a mapping between vehicle state parameters and user-perceivable haptic parameters.
3Power
If EVs provide high torque immediately, then performance is improved, but vehicle control becomes difficult without feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system provides immediate tactile feedback proportional to torque delivery and vehicle acceleration. This feedback mechanism gives users sensory information about the vehicle's response to input, enabling better control despite the instantaneous high torque characteristic of electric motors. The feedback helps users modulate their input to match desired vehicle response.
4Ease of operation
If EVs use button-based ignition, then ease of operation is improved, but tactile feedback and user awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system provides tactile confirmation of ignition state transitions. When the ignition button is pressed and the vehicle transitions to ON state, the haptic feedback units activate to provide sensory confirmation of the state change. This feedback loop compensates for the loss of traditional key-turning tactile ritual while maintaining ease of operation.
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 haptic feedback system enhances user awareness by providing tactile cues that mimic engine noise, aiding in vehicle control and situational awareness. It reduces reliance on visual cues, improves driving experience, and ensures the user is aware of the vehicle's state, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
A haptic feedback system for a vehicle comprises one or more control units, and a plurality of haptic units. The one or more control units are configured to actuate the plurality of haptic units based on one or more predefined conditions to provide haptic feedback to a user.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a haptic feedback system (200) for a vehicle (100) comprising one or more control units (104), and a plurality of haptic units (102). The one or more control units (104) are configured to actuate the plurality of haptic units (102) based on one or more predefined conditions to provide haptic feedback to a user. The intensity of the haptic feedback of the plurality of haptic units (102) is modulated by the one or more control units (104) based on at least one parameter of the vehicle (100).