Vehicle table device and method of controlling virtual keyboard thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle table devices are limited by narrow extraction areas, leading to passenger discomfort and potential accidents during collisions, and lack multimedia input functionality.

Innovation Solution

A dashboard-integrated vehicle table device with a selectively extractable and tiltable table that includes a virtual keyboard activated based on the table's position and user input, using a controller to manage the virtual keyboard's activation and deactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the table structure is weakened to enable easy breaking on collision, then safety during collision is improved, but the rigidity of the table deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during collisionVSAvoidrigidity of the table
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a slip device that allows the table to dynamically change its state based on loading conditions. When a predetermined load is detected, the table automatically slips to retract into the dashboard, providing both rigidity during normal use and safety during collision without permanently weakening the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slip device changes the friction parameter between the table and dashboard based on load conditions. Under normal conditions, friction maintains the table in an extended rigid state. When collision or excessive load occurs, the friction parameter changes to allow automatic retraction, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and collision safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a slip device is provided to retract the table automatically under load, then collision safety is improved, but the table is unintentionally extracted during sudden stop, causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision safetyVSAvoidunintentional extraction during sudden stop
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The slip device incorporates a friction-based feedback mechanism that responds to sustained load conditions rather than transient forces. The friction force is calibrated to trigger retraction only under sustained collision loads, while maintaining stability during normal vehicle operation and sudden stops, thus providing selective safety response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the table area is increased to improve passenger comfort, then usability is improved, but the risk of accidents during collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidaccident risk during collision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The table dynamically adjusts its presence in the passenger space. During normal conditions, the table extends to provide a large usable area for comfort. During collision, the slip device activates to retract the table, dynamically reducing the hazard while maintaining comfort during regular use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the virtual keyboard is always activated to provide multimedia input function, then functionality is improved, but unwanted input activation occurs when objects are placed on the table

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultimedia input functionVSAvoidunwanted input activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of touch patterns before activating the virtual keyboard. By analyzing the duration, pressure, and location of touches, the system distinguishes between intentional keyboard input and accidental contact with objects, enabling selective activation that prevents unwanted input while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3967556B1Vehicle table device and method of controlling virtual keyboard thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
  • EP3967556B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967556B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3967556B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle table device that is extracted toward a driver or a passenger to place foods or books thereon for a simple meal or reading, and a method of controlling a virtual keyboard thereof. The method includes: determining a state of a table accommodated inside a housing by a controller; determining a position of a monitor by the controller when, in the determining of the state of the table, the table is determined to be extracted from the housing; and activating a virtual keyboard on the table by the controller when, in the determining of the position of the monitor, the monitor is determined to be located on a passenger seat side.