Vehicle Operating Device with Adjustable Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operating devices have fixed actuating force thresholds, limiting customization and personalization of operating elements according to different vehicle manufacturers' philosophies.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a housing, a movably mounted operating element, a switch, a holding-force generation unit, and a control unit that adjusts the holding force electronically, allowing for variable force thresholds and dynamic actuation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed actuating force threshold is used for operating elements, then the device structure remains simple and reliable, but customization and personalization of operating elements according to different vehicle manufacturers' philosophies are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the holding force adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically modifies the holding force of the holding magnet based on operating conditions, allowing the operating element's actuation characteristics to change adaptively. This resolves the contradiction by enabling customization without requiring multiple different physical operating element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic holding force parameter dynamically through electrical control. By adjusting the current to the holding magnet, the system can modify the force threshold that must be overcome to actuate the operating element. This allows different vehicle manufacturers to define different force thresholds electronically rather than through mechanical design variations.
2Reliability
If the holding force is increased to prevent unintended activation, then reliability improves, but the ease of legitimate operation decreases due to higher force threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the holding force based on detected operating conditions. When unintentional contact is detected (such as vibration or abnormal movement), the control unit increases the holding force to prevent activation. During normal operation, the holding force is maintained at a lower level for easy legitimate actuation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the operating element's position and movement characteristics. The control unit uses this feedback information to determine when to adjust the holding force. When the sensor detects conditions indicating potential unintended activation, it increases the holding force accordingly, while allowing easy operation under normal conditions.
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
Enables customization of force thresholds for each operating element, enhancing personalization and dynamic actuation, preventing unintended activation and providing adjustable haptics.
Implementation Method 1
a holding-force generation unit for generating a holding force by means of which the operating element is held in its rest position
Data Source
AI summary
The operating device (10,10′) intended to be installed in a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) and an operating element (14,14′) which is movably mounted in and/or on the housing (12) and can be manually transferred from a rest position to a function-triggering position. Furthermore, the operating device (10, 10′) is provided with a switch (22) which is adapted to be actuated by the operating element (14, 14′) when it is manually transferred to the function-triggering position, a holding-force generation unit (26, 26′) for generating a holding force with which the operating element (14, 14′) is held in its rest position, and a control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding-force generation unit for the purpose of setting the holding force.