Transformable Vehicle Knob With Flexing Wall for Tactile Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touchscreen displays in vehicles provide limited tactile feedback, increasing the risk of accidents as operators must divert attention to confirm selections, which was not adequately addressed by existing control systems.
Innovation Solution
A transformable knob with a rotatable body and flexing periphery wall, actuated by a mechanism involving engagement arms and an electric motor, providing both tactile and visual feedback through shape and size changes in response to user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If touchscreen displays are used to control vehicle systems, then device complexity is reduced and minimalist design is achieved, but tactile feedback is limited and operator safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The knob body dynamically changes its physical configuration between a first state (rotatable configuration) and a second state (pressed configuration). The periphery wall flexes to transform the knob from a cylindrical shape to a flattened shape, providing tactile feedback while maintaining a minimalist design. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by offering both visual minimalism and tactile confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides tactile feedback through the flexing periphery wall that resists compression and provides resistance during pressing. The engagement arms and springs create a mechanical feedback system that gives the operator physical confirmation of selection, eliminating the need for visual verification and improving operator safety while maintaining the touchscreen's minimalist aesthetic.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical knobs are used, then tactile feedback is provided, but device complexity increases and minimalist design is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the benefits of traditional mechanical knobs (tactile feedback) with the advantages of touchscreen displays (minimalist design). The transformable knob integrates the flexing periphery wall structure with the rotational actuator and engagement arm mechanism, combining mechanical tactile feedback with electronic control system integration. This unified structure provides tactile confirmation without requiring separate mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The periphery wall's physical parameters change during operation - it flexes from a rigid cylindrical state to a compressed flattened state during pressing. The engagement arms move between retracted and extended positions, and the springs compress and expand. These parameter changes provide tactile feedback while the overall structure remains integrated with the electronic control system, avoiding excessive complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the periphery wall is made rigid for structural stability, then shape stability is improved, but transformability between configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The periphery wall is segmented into multiple sections or zones that can flex independently. The engagement arms interact with specific portions of the periphery wall, allowing localized deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the wall to transform between configurations while preserving structural stability through the distributed nature of the flexing zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The periphery wall is designed as a flexible shell structure that can elastically deform between configurations. The wall material and geometry are engineered to provide sufficient flexibility for transformation while maintaining structural stability. The elastic nature of the shell allows it to return to its original shape after deformation, providing both transformability and structural integrity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple engagement arms are used to flex the periphery wall, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotational actuator serves multiple functions: it rotates the knob body, drives the engagement arms through the curved track, and controls the flexing of the periphery wall. The engagement arms themselves serve dual purposes by providing both the actuating force and the tactile feedback mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving control precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved track acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotational motion into radial movement of the engagement arms. This intermediate element allows a single rotational actuator to precisely control multiple engagement arms without requiring complex individual actuators for each arm. The track geometry provides the precision control needed while keeping the actuator mechanism relatively simple.
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
Enhances driver safety by allowing tactile confirmation of selections without visual distraction, improving usability and user experience through intuitive interaction with vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor coupled to the axle and configured to rotate the axle about the axis
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between first and second configurations. The transformable knob comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between first and second positions, with movement of the actuator facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively.