Vehicle Input Panel Haptics With Light Guide Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle input devices with integrated buttons for various functions are complex to manufacture and inflexible, leading to increased production costs due to the need for multiple light sources and direct integration with the housing, which complicates adjustments based on vehicle configuration.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a decoupling unit and a light guide system, allowing the vibration generating unit to be remotely positioned, reducing the need for individual light sources and enabling flexible adjustment to different vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If each button is associated with its own light source, then the input panel can be illuminated, but the manufacturing complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single light source that illuminates the entire input panel through a light guide. Instead of having individual light sources for each button, one light source is positioned in the cavity and its light is distributed across the input panel via the light guide, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source serves multiple functions by illuminating the entire input panel rather than individual buttons. The light guide acts as a universal illumination medium that distributes light across all buttons and the panel surface, making the system more versatile and easier to manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If the vibration generating unit is directly integrated with the housing, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration transmission element as an intermediary between the vibration generating unit and the input panel. This element transfers vibrations from the exciter to the input panel, enabling haptic feedback while keeping the vibration generating unit separate from both the housing and the panel, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are integrated into the housing, then each button can be illuminated, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are merged into a single light source positioned in the cavity. The light guide distributes this single light source's output across the entire input panel, significantly reducing the space required for illumination components compared to having multiple separate light sources.
4Illumination intensity
If individual light sources are used for each button, then the illumination can be adjusted per button, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual light sources into a single light source with a light guide system. This merging reduces the number of components that need to be sourced, assembled, and tested, thereby reducing production costs while still providing adequate illumination for all buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source with light guide provides universal illumination for the entire input panel, serving the function of multiple individual light sources. This universal approach simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces production costs while maintaining the required illumination functionality.
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 results in a more compact, resource-efficient input device that provides haptic feedback and illumination, with adjustable light guidance and vibration distribution, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light guide arranged in the cavity for guiding light generated by a light source to the input panel for illuminating the same
Implementation Method 2
the vibration generating unit is activated upon touching the input panel, the input panel is supported to the housing such that the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit are transferred to the input panel, thereby providing haptic feedback
Implementation Method 3
a decoupling unit by which the vibration generating unit is fastened to the housing, the decoupling unit being designed for decoupling the vibrations from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an input device of or for a vehicle for inputting commands for triggering vehicle related functions. The input device includes a housing enclosing a cavity, a vibration generating unit arranged in the cavity and including an exciter for generating vibrations or impulses, a decoupling unit by which the vibration generating unit is fastened to the housing, an input panel for inputting commands for triggering vehicle related functions by touching the input panel, the input panel being supported in the input device such that vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit are transferred to the input panel, thereby providing haptic feedback, and at least one light guide arranged in the cavity for guiding light generated by a light source to the input panel for illuminating the same. Moreover, the present invention is drawn to a vehicle comprising such an input device.