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Titus Chow

Taiping Li

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Required Controls

ControlDesired BehaviourFeedback to DriverLocation
HornHorn sounds whenever button is pressedAudibleSteering Wheel
Power SwitchInitiates Pre-Charge/Discharge, Open or closes main contactorsIndicator light on dashboard, Voltage display on driver displayCentre Console
Emergency StopOpen all power relaysNone (Initiated by driver)Centre Console
Push to TalkAllows communication on two way radioNone (Initiated by driver)Steering Wheel
Direction SelectorSwitches between Reverse, Neutral, DriveDisplay on driver displayCentre Console




HeadlightsHeadlights turn onIndicator light on dashboardCentre Console
Turn SignalsLeft or Right turn signals flashesIndicator light on dashboard, possibly audible clicking noiseSteering Wheel
Hazard LightsBoth turn signals flashesIndicator light on dashboard, possibly audible clicking noiseCentre Console




Cruise Control SetTurn cruise control on, maintain current speedIndicator light turns on, display cruise control speed on driver displaySteering Wheel
Cruise Control Increase/DecreaseChange desired speed (In 5-10km/h increments, tbd)Indicator light stays on, display new cruise control speed on driver displaySteering Wheel
Cruise Control OffTurn cruise control offIndicator light turns offSteering Wheel




Regen StrengthControl regen braking strength between Off, Weak, StrongLabels on switch will indicate settingCentre Console


Early Concepts 

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titleClick here to view past designs


Design mock up

Description

Pros

Cons

Image ModifiedImage Modified

The 1st picture shows a specific dashboard and steering wheel configuration. And the 2nd picture shows a sleeker version of the dashboard, with the same steering wheel as the first. Specifically on the steering wheel, there are 3 buttons for the horn so that the driver can either press the horn in the center (like cars usually do), or can use a thumb from either the left or the right to press the smaller button. This feature can be removed if it proves to be redundant. There is a legend accompanying the pictures so you can see what's what. Admittedly, the drawing is a bit crude as I haven't really taken any electrics into account yet. Something to note, on the steering wheel, the 2 objects jutting out from the back are levers to control the left and right turn signals. And finally, in the 2nd picture, if more lights / indications need to be added to the dashboard, the long red and grey strips of light can be further divided into smaller strips.

Able to see the speed and other notifications. The steering wheel allows for a nice hand-grip (inspiration from an aircraft yoke) with the flexibility of placing buttons wherever needed. The levers, placed right where the fingers go, give the turn signals an intuitive feel.

There may be some notifications missing from this dashboard that need to be added. Additionally, the Hazard button is in a rather awkward place on the steering wheel.

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First picture top half: Location of the dash and steering wheel

First picture bottom half: Dashboard design

3rd picture rough sketch for how the turn signal lever might work: The lever protrudes through the plate and can slide up and down the rail. The spring forces the lever up so it can only occupy three positions: raised in the middle slot (no turn), raised on the right slot (right turn) and raised in the left slot (left turn).

Easily sourced parts: All LEDs are the Christmas light-sized ones used on breadboard. There are no shape requirements for the LCDs. The steering wheel grips can be ripped off bicycle handles. The lever can be machined (I think). The wheel may prove troublesome.

Clarity: The most important information is clearly presented without cluttter. No analog displays. The LEDs are next to the windshield so the resulting glare will make them more noticeable. The dash is not sloped so it avoids reflection.

Needs 3 screens

Turn signal circuits will be difficult to wire up.

The LEDs may be too small to be very noticeable



Layout

There are going to be three areas of the driver compartment that will include driver controls. 

The Steering Wheel

Light, simple steering wheel, that will only contain critical switches for the driver (ie turn signals or horn). Ideally the steering wheel in MS12 will be a quick release, though this is not needed. 

Dash

The dash is located right behind and above the steering wheel. It will contain an LCD display that will provide the driver with common vehicle data, such as velocity and state of charge (SOC). The dash will also contain another screen (or screens) for displaying the rear of the vehicle. 

Center Console

The center console is located between the drive and passenger, and will contain all remaining switches and controls.