Technology feature add and customer focus must be based on a 2-year cycle and not a 5+ year cycle. Automotive OE’s working on long term commodity plan will never be able to meet technology innovations in today’s eco-system.
There are so many opportunities for fast to market application designed to enhance customer feature comfort and bring high value yet free market exposure for OE through global social media.
Below are more than 100 Feature add coupled with cost reduction technology concepts. Some are from 2014 which may already be incorporated while others still have huge potential to implement within 55-Week timeline. The challenge is to incorporate multiple innovations in one feature assembly.
A very common methodology to improve corporate performance in automotive is reduce cost structure and spending. HMI Product value enhancement through innovation and technology enhancement is deemed as lower priority.
Standard cost reductions for HMI Products in Automotive Interior & Exterior in today’s innovation eco-system bring essentially academic benefits.
- Some Basic Technology Application Ideas
- Accessories
- Gortech LLC (www.gortechworks.com) Dual-Carrier Non-Contact Vital Sign Detection
Growing interest in developing non-contact vital sign detection systems due to their promising applications in the field of vehicle cockpit and biomedical monitoring, health-care, astronauts physical monitoring and search and rescue after mudslides or earthquakes.
Various wireless solutions have been developed for vital sign detection:
Stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW)
Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW)
Continuous wave doppler radar (CW)
Impulse-based ultra-wideband radar (UWB)
SFCW, FMCW and UWB bring the flexibility in controlling the frequency band to meet the application requirement on band and resolution, and at the same time provide the distance and image information.
CW uses the frequency or phase shift in a reflected radar signal to detect physiological movements which can reach a resolution of submillimeter, but respiration signal has a stronger power spectrum density than the heartbeat signal.
A dual-carrier vital sign detection system using phase locked loop to automatically suppress both the residual phase noise and transmission path noise.
Automatically adjust the feedback signals to suppress the noise when the environment changes.
Experimental results based on discrete components introduces no extra noise, has a 50% improvement in signal to noise ratio, and can effectively measure both respiration and heartbeat signals in four physical orientations at 50 cm.
By suppressing the residual phase noise and path noise, the detection distance of the weak heartbeat signal from the front of a human subject is extended to at least 250 cm, more than double the distance of a system without the noise suppression scheme.
- Powered Rear View Mirror – Cost Add < $15
- Projected Welcome Logo – OSRAM LED with Protect Shutter
Technology Applications can deliver cost saves of 35% to 80% coupled with feature enhancements. A simple $6.00 ambient lighting attachment does not need to go to $150!
For HMI Products like Input Devices, Displays, Comfort Convenience Items, Lighting, Seating and Trim and others, innovation brings far greater benefits than notional cost reduction exercises.
Four standard cost cutting examples in Automotive HMI Devices with their negatives:
- Basic Engineering & Research Cost Cutting: First casualty of that is customer focused feature enhancements, true cost reduction and future product innovations.
- Simplifying Product Lineup: Drastically reduces customer choices and as extension product value, since customers are smart.
- Common Modules: Again, drastically reduces customer choices and blocks innovations as effort to use common module becomes key corporate deliverable.
- Commonality in Sub-Systems: Makes it very difficult to meet individual country or even broader customer Wants. Local tastes and wants between major markets like North America, China, EU and India do differ!
In Automotive HMI it is important that technologies and innovations be applied to achieve true sub-system cost reduction and feature enhancements – especially from outside automotive supply base.
Too often direct costs just seem to make no real engineering sense. Simple comfort / convenience feature cost can increase 300% to 500% when compared to industrial (low volume), retail and other industries – for essentially similar reliability and performance. And cost adds are not for safety related feature concerns.
A few examples with major potential for cost reduction coupled with feature enhancements:
- OVH Console / Center Stack: 50%.
- Step ladder light: 80%
- Ambient light: 75%
- Reading lamp: 50%
- Input controls: 65%
- High quality High Mount vs Heads Up: 65%
- In car Health and Wellness Tracking vs Retail: Low priority in Automotive
- People Mover Vehicle Sanitizing: To be determined
- Rear seat communication, entertainment and controls: 50%
- Interiors customization: Limited
- Long distance drive comfort / conveyance: Limited
- Center Stack Assembly: 35%
Below are just few examples of improving applications designs for feature improvement, cost reduction, reliability improvement and ease of system integration. Very important that innovations across multiple sectors be applied to achieve targeted goals.
32). 3D Gesture Reognotion: Microchip Technology has announced a new 3D gesture recognition controller that offers the lowest system cost in the automotive industry, providing a durable single-chip solution for advanced automotive HMI designs. The MGC3140 joins Microchip’s family of easy-to-use 3D gesture controllers as the first qualified for automotive use.
31) Nano Heating Seat and Steering Wheel: Reduces time to heat to under 2 minutes at potentially lower power consumption coupled with 25% cost reduction.
30). Center Stack: Simple 2012 example design concept to improve value and provide enhanced feature / function.
29) Visor: Feature Enhancement to design visor is translucent that can automatically adjust to sun glare.
28). 2018 SID was very impressive. Potential fast to market application for Automotive OE’s for 2020 MY (2019 Calendar Year) vehicles is very feasible. Ideal opportunity to surprise and delight vehicle owner and passenger and create the WOW affect that is always being sought.
Design HMI will be working both with innovators and integrators next few months to complete productio9n intent designs targeting 2019 application.
Design HMI will post concepts not covered by NDA’s over the next 6 months.
27). Smart Connector using Molded Interconnect Technology and Others. For more information on MID Technology CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/?s=MID+ or contact designhmi@gmail.com.
26). Lighted Seat Monogram using combination of Silicone and / or Elastomer. Abatek SA was the lead in developing this easy integration solution. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2014/04/01/wireless-monogram-lighting/ or contact Abatek SA.
25). Smart Connect Electronic Headrest to Seat coupled with molded in circuits. For more information contact designhmi@gmail.com.
24). Integrated Lighting for Seat Bolsters: Dynamic design developed working with TQ Technology from Taiwan. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2015/03/27/seat-3d-lighting-solution/
23). Power distribution Box with electronic circuit breakers and low force press fit terminals. This design concept still under development as there was not a strong want demonstrated.
22). Active and Passive Seat & Steering Wheel Cooling for passenger comfort using Outlast PCM. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2015/03/09/2329/.
21) Puddle Welcome Light integrated into Rocker Panel developed by TQ Technology. However, in this case did not meet the cost save target and Design HMI working on other technology solutions. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/?s=puddle+welcome+light.
20). 3D Signature DRL& Fog Light w/Control Electronics. Integrated design solution developed with support from Hirain Technology, Microchip Electronics and TQ Technology. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2014/12/04/high-intensity-fog-light/.
19). Lit Monogram Lighting on External Grill – Wireless Design. For more information contact designhmi@gmail.com
18). Keyfob Battery Management / Energy Harvesting: Technology designed to extend dynamic KeyFob battery life from 30 months to 48 months. For more information contact designhmi@gmail.com.
17). 3D Low Profile Steering Wheel Switch w/MID Technology: Designed to add feature content, allow for greater styling flexibility and system cost reduction. For more information contact designhmi@gmail.com as there are many new technology solutions. For generic information on past designs CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/?s=steering+wheel+switch.
16). Non-Floating Horn Pad Design: the leader in this technology is Flexpoint located in Salt Lake City. Recommend that you contact dave@flexpoint.com for more information.
15). Translucent Display for Rear Windows and Windshield: Designed with Beneq EL technology ideally suited for autonomous vehicles. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/?s=EL+display.
14). Power Deck Lid Open Sesame Display: Not a cost saves but feature improvement. For more information write to designhmi@gmail.com.
13). Wireless Cup-holder Warmer: Can be separate wireless carry version or integrated into cup holder using flexible Nano heating technology. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/?s=warm+sleeve.
12). Wireless & Lighted Seat Belt Buckle: Ideal for Autonomous vehicles. System cost save. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/?s=seat+belt+buckle and write to designhmi@gmail.com.
11). Piezo Touch Door Handle: Developed in partnership with Algra using their Piezo Touch Technology. For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2016/11/28/activation-of-door-handle-with-algra-piezo-sensors/ or write to designhmni@gmail.com.
10). C Class Power Delivery System: Using Microchip Technology IC and Software this power delivery can charge even tablets and laptops. CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2018/04/11/in-car-usb-a-and-c-class-charging/.
10). Cost Reduced Magnesium Seat Frames: Core technology knowledge is with CQBOAO and as this is not Design HMI core competence recommend you contact
9). Wireless Extra Thin Map Pocket Lighting: Ideal without any system interface. Comes on when detects hand near map pocket. Powered with coin cell battery designed for 10-year life cycle. For more information please write to designhmi@gmail.com.
8). Lighted Retractable Running Board: Designed for both wired and wireless applications in conjunction with smart brushless motors and proximity detect sensor technology.
For more information CLICK http://www.designhmi.com/2017/03/17/sealed-water-proof-running-board-lighting/.
7). Smart Armrest for Autonomous / Non-Autonomous Cars: Smart Armrest to give passengers full control of the seat and integrating most comfort / convenience functions in the seat.
6). Rear Seat Display: This is to integrate a 15” or bigger thin screen in automotive rear seats.
5). Rear Seat Display: Below shows two high end rear seat displays – both still require major system interface. Design HMI wireless concept is snap on to rear holder with wireless power and data communication – no ugly wires or system level visible interconnects needed. Extremely easy EOL / Aftermarket add.
4). Powered Gesture Control Rear View Mirror: Developed by FZB Technologies using their smart micro brushless motors and integrated with gesture control. Designed for easy integration into current rear-view mirror without major changes. No additional system level changes needed.
3). Projected Welcome Light Logo: Ideal for Autonomous Car People Movers. This concept shows Osram LED’s and projector, but other solutions are also available.
2). Aftermarket Accessories for Integration: This is easy integration for aftermarket / EOL addition of technologies already developed by innovators. Fast to market within 6-month timeline.
1). Seat Heater Pad w/Nano Heater Integrated: Take a well-designed seat pad (shown below and already developed by innovators) and integrate printed Nano Heater into it. Only C Class USB connection needed, that will be common in 2021 MY vehicles needed. Ideal for Autonomous People Movers as can be used based on climate.
