Vehicle Operating Unit with Dynamic Force Threshold Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive haptics concepts in vehicle operating units, which rely on mechanical switches, provide unintended tactile feedback when the operating element is pressed outside symbol fields, leading to potential damage from improper or excessive force and incorrect command inputs due to the complexity of existing designs.
Innovation Solution
An operating unit with a controllable press-down force threshold switching device using an electromagnet or permanent holding electromagnet, adjustable between high and low thresholds, is integrated with an actuation sensor system and evaluation unit to ensure proper actuation only within symbol fields, preventing unintended activation and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical switch is used to provide passive haptics feedback, then the tactile sensation of pressing a key is provided, but the user receives unintended tactile feedback when touching outside symbol fields and the switch can be damaged by excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the press-down force threshold adjustable rather than fixed. The threshold switching device dynamically changes the force requirement between a first threshold (normal operation) and a second threshold (reduced threshold) based on whether the actuation is within a symbol field, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical resistance to user input context
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of press-down force threshold by using a threshold switching device that can switch between different force levels. This parameter change prevents damage from excessive force during invalid actuations while maintaining proper tactile feedback for valid symbol field actuations
2Reliability
If the press-down force threshold is kept high to prevent damage, then switch durability is improved, but proper actuation within symbol fields becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the force threshold based on the actuation location detected by the sensor system. When actuation within a symbol field is detected, the threshold is reduced to the second level, making proper actuation easy. When actuation outside symbol fields is detected, the threshold remains at the first level to prevent damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the sensor system to detect whether the actuation object is within a symbol field. This feedback controls the threshold switching device to appropriately adjust the force threshold, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user input context
3Reliability
If a sensor system is added to detect actuation location, then unintended activation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects actuation location to prevent unintended activation, enables dynamic threshold adjustment, and provides input for the evaluation unit to determine valid versus invalid actuations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component addition
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
This solution simplifies the passive haptics concept by allowing lower force thresholds for proper actuations within symbol fields and preventing unintended movements, reducing the risk of damage from excessive forces and improving user feedback accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the press-down force threshold switching device comprises at least one electromagnet having a stator and an armature which are movable relative to each other, and a coil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, provided with an operating element (12) having an operating interface (14) with multiple symbol fields (16), to which are assigned operating functions that can be triggered with the actuation of the operating element (12). The operating element (12) is arranged on a support structure (18) such that it can be pressed down in a resettable manner and by means of an actuation object, in particular by means of the finger of a hand. The operating unit (10) is also provided with a mechanical switch (22) which can be actuated when pressing down the operating element (12), a controllable press-down force threshold switching device (34) for switching the force to be overcome to press down the operating element (12) between a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller in comparison to the first threshold value, an actuation sensor system (30) for detecting whether, when the operating element (12) is actuated, the actuation object contacts same within one of the symbol fields (16) of the operating interface (14), and an evaluation and control unit (32) which receives signals from the actuation sensor system (30) or, inter alia, from the actuation sensor system (30), and which only causes the press-down force threshold switching device (34) or, inter alia, the press-down force threshold switching device (34) to switch from the first threshold value to the second threshold value by changing its control, when the actuation object within one of the symbol fields is in contact with the operating interface (14) within one of the symbol fields (16) with an actuation of the operating element (12). An electromagnet or permanent holding electromagnet (40) is used as the press-down force threshold switching device (34).