Vehicle Cabin Haptic Interface for Precise Function Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control interfaces lack refined and scalable haptic feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for users to confirm function selections quickly and efficiently, especially in complex systems with multiple functions and parameters, which can divert attention from driving.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a user interface module, a single haptic module providing ultrasonic actuated feedback, and a central unit that selects and delivers dedicated haptic feedback patterns associated with each function or parameter, allowing users to receive precise haptic confirmation without cognitive overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple haptic modules are used to provide dedicated haptic feedback for each function, then haptic feedback precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single haptic module is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different haptic feedback patterns for different functions. The haptic module receives function identification information and selects appropriate feedback patterns from a library, allowing one module to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic module changes its output parameters (vibration frequency, amplitude, duration, pattern) based on the selected function. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to the function identification information, the same physical module provides differentiated haptic feedback for different functions without requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical control devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to new functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical control devices (buttons, knobs, cables) are replaced with a digital control interface comprising a touch screen and a single haptic module. The mechanical linkage and multiple dedicated physical controls are substituted with electronic signaling and a universal haptic feedback generator, enabling software-based adaptability while maintaining tactile interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static mechanical configurations to dynamic software-controlled operations. The haptic feedback characteristics can be dynamically adjusted through code to match different functions, allowing the system to adapt to new functions simply by updating software rather than reconfiguring mechanical components.
3Device complexity
If touch screen interfaces without haptic feedback are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user confirmation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the haptic module provides tactile confirmation to the user when a function is selected. The control unit receives touch input, identifies the selected function, and triggers appropriate haptic feedback patterns to confirm the selection to the user through tactile sensation, creating a closed-loop feedback system.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic module acts as an intermediary between the touch screen interface and the user's tactile senses. It translates digital function selection into physical tactile feedback, bridging the gap between visual touch interface interaction and physical sensory confirmation without requiring complex mechanical indicators.
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 enables users to quickly and accurately select functions and parameters with dedicated haptic feedback, reducing cognitive effort and maintaining focus on driving, while being scalable to accommodate new functions and parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator configured to generate vibrations by applying a haptic feedback pattern having a frequency close to or equal to the resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
generate vibrations by applying a haptic feedback pattern having a frequency close to or equal to the resonant frequency, so as to lead to ultrasonic lubrication of the haptic button
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Control device intended to control a function of a vehicle passenger compartment, the control device comprising: a user-interface module (1) configured to allow the user to select one function among a set of functions of the passenger compartment; a single haptic module (2) configured to deliver, to a user, one haptic feedback among a plurality of haptic feedbacks; and a central unit (3) comprising a library of haptic-feedback patterns, each haptic-feedback pattern being associated with one function, the central unit being configured to select, from the library of haptic-feedback patterns, the haptic-feedback pattern associated with the function selected by the user, and to command the haptic module (2) to deliver the haptic feedback having the selected haptic-feedback pattern.