Electricity: magnetically operated switches – magnets – and electr – Magnets and electromagnets – With magneto-mechanical motive device
Reexamination Certificate
1997-03-25
2001-11-20
Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2832)
Electricity: magnetically operated switches, magnets, and electr
Magnets and electromagnets
With magneto-mechanical motive device
C335S270000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06320487
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a control switch and device that includes tailored feedback to assist a person in adjusting various functions for a variety of systems.
Modern mass production vehicles tend to include more and more special features or subsystems. The addition of more features to a vehicle provides the potential for a more enjoyable driving experience; however, introducing more and more features or subsystems into a vehicle is not without problems.
An important need is to provide a driver the ability to control or adjust the various available subsystems without unduly distracting the driver from the task of driving the vehicle. It is important, therefore, to provide a driver with input control devices that allow a driver to realize that a desired adjustment or function selection has been accomplished without diverting the driver's attention from the road.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that is readily usable by a driver to control a variety of the subsystems available within a vehicle. Prior to this invention, no satisfactory solution has been found that addresses the various needs discussed above. This invention is a device that provides customized feedback to a driver, which is indicative of the adjustment or selection that has been made. Moreover, this invention provides a device that is readily usable for controlling a variety of functions for a variety of vehicle subsystems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, this invention is a device that allows a user to control or adjust a variety of vehicle subsystems while providing the user with tailored feedback indicative of the adjustment or selection made. The preferred form of this invention includes a single control that is manipulatable by a user. A selectively activatable tactile feedback unit provides tactile feedback that is indicative of movement of the control as the user manipulates the control when the feedback unit is activated. The feedback unit is only activated for certain subsystems and certain functional adjustments. Therefore, an efficient, space-saving and safety-enhancing control device is achieved.
In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the tactile feedback unit includes a magnetic arrangement that is selectively energizable. When the magnetic arrangement is energized, rotation of a control, for example, results in the tactile detection of adjustment increments as the control is rotated. This is useful, for example, in selecting preset radio stations. When the feedback unit is not energized, rotation of the control is smooth. Smooth rotation provides an adequate feel for such function adjustment as volume or cruise control.
The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be described as follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4543515 (1985-09-01), Suzuki
patent: 4560983 (1985-12-01), Williams
patent: 4730177 (1988-03-01), McSparran
patent: 4733214 (1988-03-01), Andresen
patent: 5398013 (1995-03-01), Suzuki et al.
patent: 5448234 (1995-09-01), Harwood
patent: 5559412 (1996-09-01), Schuler
patent: 19528457A1 (1997-02-01), None
patent: 565143A2 (1993-10-01), None
International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/US98/04019 with an International Filing Date of Mar. 2, 1998.
Hartman Hollister A.
Miller Robin Mihekun
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Donovan Lincoln
Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc.
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