Vehicle Knob Switching Between Protruding and Concave Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users accustomed to protruding-type dial input apparatuses in vehicles may prefer the original type over the concave type, as they are not accustomed to using the concave type with just a finger, leading to a need for an input apparatus that can switch between both types to satisfy user preferences.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus for vehicles featuring a knob that can be moved upward to protrude or downward into a plate, accompanied by a switching mechanism that surrounds the knob, allowing the device to switch between protruding and concave types, with a driving device and guides facilitating this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a concave-type dial input apparatus is used, then the input method is simplified and can be operated with just a finger, but users accustomed to the protruding type are not accustomed to the concave type and may prefer the protruding type
Solution Approach 1:
The dial input apparatus is designed to be dynamically switchable between protruding and concave types. The housing includes a protruding portion that can move between protruding from and retracting into the body, allowing the apparatus to change its operational configuration based on user preference, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified finger operation and user preference adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a protruding-type dial input apparatus is used, then users accustomed to this type can operate it comfortably, but the input method is more complex compared to the concave type
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows dynamic switching between protruding and concave configurations. When the protruding portion retracts into the body, it creates a concave-type interface that simplifies input to finger-only operation, while still maintaining the ability to switch to protruding type for users who prefer that configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between user preference adaptability and input method simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the knob is made movable between protruding and recessed positions, then switching between types is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is merged with the existing housing structure. The protruding portion is integrated into the housing rather than being a separate movable component, and the switching is achieved through the interaction between the protruding portion and the dial input apparatus components already present, thus reducing overall device complexity while enabling type switching
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the basic housing for the dial input apparatus, contains the protruding portion that enables type switching, and acts as part of the switching mechanism itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling type switching capability
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus for a vehicle includes: a knob rotatably disposed in a plate; a driving device allowing the knob to protrude from or move downward into the plate; and a switching mechanism movable disposed to surround an outer circumferential surface of the knob protruding from the plate and disposed along a circumference of the knob moved downward into the plate.