Patent Publication Number: US-2023133752-A1

Title: Control system comprising a transformable knob and a method of operating the same

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a control system, and more particularly to a control system comprising a transformable knob. 
     In recent years, electronic systems have been utilized to a larger degree in automobiles to perform various functions that were traditionally performed by mechanical systems. One area in particular that has greatly reduced mechanical systems in favor of electronic systems is control systems. More specifically, buttons, levers, and knobs that were once utilized to control systems such as the radio, HVAC, and transmission have been reduced in favor of touchscreen displays. The touchscreen displays follow a minimalist design style but maintain the functionality of traditional control systems. While useful, touchscreen displays provide limited (if any) tactile feedback to the operator when a selection is made. The operator often must avert their attention from the road to the display to make a selection and/or confirm that the proper selection has been made. In doing so, the operator is increasing the chance of getting into an accident. 
     Thus, while current control systems achieve their intended purpose, there is a need for a new control system that addresses these issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plate and extending around the axis, with the face plate and the periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob further comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between a first configuration and a second configuration. The transformable knob further comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between a first position and a second position, with movement of the actuator between the first and second positions facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively. 
     In one aspect, the actuator extends along a first plane orthogonal to the axis and defines a first track extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a first post disposed in the first track. The rotation of the actuator moves the first post within the first track and correspondingly moves the plurality of engagement arms between the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob further comprises a guide plate extending along a second plane parallel to the first plane, with the plurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator and the guide plate. The guide plate defines a second track extending in a straight radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a second post disposed in the second track. The guide plate is stationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first and second positions to guide the movement of the engagement arms in linearly towards and away from the axis. 
     In another aspect, the guide plate is fixed to the body and the guide plate retains the rotational position of the engagement arms relative to the body as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first and second positions 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob further comprises a sleeve fixed to the actuator and rotatably coupled to the body, with the sleeve extending along the axis and with the sleeve surrounding the axle and defining a sleeve track having a helical configuration. The axle comprises a protrusion extending outwardly from the axis and in engagement with the sleeve track with linear movement of the body along the axis causing the protrusion to move along the sleeve track and rotate the sleeve to move the actuator between the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob further comprises an electric motor coupled to the axle and configured to rotate the axle about the axis, and with the axle fixed to the actuator. Rotation of the axle by the electric motor moves the actuator between the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, the guide plate is fixed relative to the axis and retains the rotational position of the engagement arms as the body rotates about the axis. 
     In another aspect, the actuator is fixed to the body such that rotation of the body about the axis correspondingly moves the actuator between the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, the movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations is further defined as uniformly moving the plurality of engagement arms outwardly away from the axis to flex the periphery wall and increase the size of the body from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations is further defined as moving a portion of the plurality of engagement arms toward or away from the axis to flex the periphery wall and change a shape of the body from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of engagement arms are configured as plurality of plungers each individually engaging a portion of the periphery wall. 
     In another aspect, each of the plungers comprise a head having a curved surface configured to engage the respective portion of the periphery wall. 
     In another aspect, the actuator is further defined as a first actuator and the plurality of plungers are further defined as a first plurality of plungers. The transformable knob further comprises a second plurality of plungers and a second actuator in engagement with the second plurality of plungers, with the second actuator configured to move the second plurality of plungers independent of the first actuator and the first plurality of plungers to change the shape of the body between the first and second configurations. 
     In another aspect, the periphery wall comprises a plurality of knurls arranged end-to-end and a plurality of hinges individually disposed between the knurls. Flexing the periphery wall comprises folding the knurls about the hinges. 
     In another aspect, the periphery wall comprises an elastomeric material such that flexing the periphery wall comprises bending the elastomeric material of the periphery wall. 
     In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall comprises stretching the elastomeric material of the periphery wall. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of engagement arms are substantially flat and overlap one another about the axis such that the engagement arms collectively engage the periphery wall entirely around the axis. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of engagement arms are configured as a mechanical iris. 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plate and extending around the axis, with the face plate and the periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob further comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between a first configuration and a second configuration. The transformable knob further comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between a first position and a second position, with movement of the actuator between the first and second positions facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively. The transformable knob further comprises a guide plate. The actuator extends along a first plane orthogonal to the axis and defines a first track extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a first post disposed in the first track. Rotation of actuator moves the first post within the first track and correspondingly moves the plurality of engagement arms between the first and second positions. The guide plate extends along a second plane parallel to the first plane, with the plurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator and the guide plate. The guide plate defines a second track extending in a straight radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a second post disposed in the second track. The guide plate is stationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first and second positions to guide the movement of the engagement arms in linearly towards and away from the axis. The guide plate is fixed relative to the axis and retains the rotational position of the engagement arms as the body rotates about the axis. The actuator is fixed to the body such that rotation of the body about the axis correspondingly moves the actuator between the first and second positions. The plurality of engagement arms are configured as plurality of plungers each individually engaging a portion of the periphery wall. The actuator is further defined as a first actuator and the plurality of plungers are further defined as a first plurality of plungers. The transformable knob further comprises a second plurality of plungers and a second actuator in engagement with the second plurality of plungers, with the second actuator configured to move the second plurality of plungers independent of the first actuator and the first plurality of plungers to change the shape of the body between the first and second configurations. 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a transformable knob for a vehicle comprises an axle extending along an axis and a body mounted to the axle and rotatable about the axis. The body comprises a face plate and a periphery wall coupled to the face plate and extending around the axis, with the face plate and the periphery wall defining a cavity, and with the periphery wall arranged to flex relative to the axis. The transformable knob further comprises a plurality of engagement arms disposed within the cavity and movable toward and away from the axis, with the plurality of engagement arms configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall between a first configuration and a second configuration. The transformable knob further comprises an actuator in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms and arranged to move between a first position and a second position, with movement of the actuator between the first and second positions facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms to flex the periphery wall between the first and second configurations, respectively. The transformable knob further comprises a guide plate and an electric motor coupled to the axle and configured to rotate the axle about the axis. The plurality of engagement arms are configured as plurality of plungers each individually engaging a portion of the periphery wall. The actuator extends along a first plane orthogonal to the axis and defines a first track extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a first post disposed in the first track. Rotation of actuator moves the first post within the first track and correspondingly moves the plurality of engagement arms between the first and second positions. The guide plate extends along a second plane parallel to the first plane, with the plurality of engagement arms disposed between the actuator and the guide plate. The guide plate defines a second track extending in a straight radial configuration from the axis. The plurality of engagement arms comprise a second post disposed in the second track. The guide plate is stationary as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first and second positions to guide the movement of the engagement arms in linearly towards and away from the axis. The guide plate is fixed to the body and the guide plate retains the rotational position of the engagement arms relative to the body as the actuator moves the engagement arms between the first and second positions. The axle is fixed to the actuator. Rotation of the axle by the electric motor moves the actuator between the first and second positions. 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a control system for a vehicle comprises a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The control system further comprises a transformable knob configured to be manipulated by an operator between a first state and a second state and in electronic communication with the controller, with the transformable knob comprising a body having a periphery wall arranged to flex between a first configuration corresponding to the first state and a second configuration corresponding to the second state. The control system further comprises an output device in electronic communication with the controller and arranged to change between a first setting and a second setting. Manipulation of the transformable knob by the operator from the first state to the second state transmits an input signal to the controller and facilitates flexing of the periphery wall from the first configuration to the second configuration. The controller is configured to receive the input signal and the processor is programmed to compare the input signal to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and transmit an output signal to the output device to change the output device from the first setting to the second setting. 
     In one aspect, flexing the periphery wall between the first and second configurations is further defined as uniformly flexing the periphery wall and increasing the size of the body from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall between the first and second configurations is further defined as flexing the periphery wall and changing a shape of the body from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the manipulation of the transformable knob by the operator from the first state to the second state is further defined as rotation of the body of the transformable knob about an axis from the first state to the second state. 
     In another aspect, the manipulation of the transformable knob by the operator from the first state to the second state is further defined as linear movement of the body of the transformable knob about along axis from the first state to the second state. 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator coupled to the body and movable between a first position and a second position, with the manipulation of the transformable knob by the operator from the first state to the second state further defined as movement of the body by the operator from the first state to the second state causing corresponding movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position to flex the periphery wall from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and an electric motor coupled to the actuator and in electronic communication with the controller, with the processor further programmed to transmit a configuration signal to the electric motor to move the actuator from the first position to the second position and flex the periphery wall from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the output device comprises a display surface arranged to show a first indicia and a second indicia, with the display surface showing the first indicia in the first setting and the second indicia in the second setting. 
     In another aspect, the output device further comprises a ride control module configured to change dynamics of the vehicle between a first ride mode and a second ride mode, with the first ride mode corresponding to the first setting and the second ride mode corresponding to the second setting. 
     In another aspect, the output device further comprises a cabin comfort module configured to change an environment within the vehicle between a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode, with the first comfort mode corresponding to the first setting and a second comfort mode corresponding to the second setting. 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method of operating a control system for a vehicle is presented. The control system comprises a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions, a transformable knob in electronic communication with the controller, with the transformable knob comprising a body having a periphery wall arranged to flex, and an output device in electronic communication with the controller. The method comprises performing a manipulation of the transformable knob with an operator from a first state to a second state, transmitting an input signal from the transformable knob to the controller, receiving the input signal with the controller, and comparing the input signal with the processor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. The method further comprises transmitting an output signal from the controller to the output device, changing the output device from a first setting to a second setting, and flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knob from a first configuration corresponding to the first state to a second configuration corresponding to the second state. 
     In one aspect, performing a manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from a first state to a second state is further defined as performing a primary manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from the first state to the second state. The method further comprises performing a secondary manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from a first sub-state of the second state to a second sub-state of the second state, transmitting a secondary input signal from the transformable knob to the controller, and receiving the secondary input signal with the controller. The method further comprises comparing the secondary input signal with the processor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, transmitting a secondary output signal from the controller to the output device, and changing the output device from a first sub-setting of the second setting to a second sub-setting of the second setting. 
     In another aspect, performing the primary manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from the first state to the second state is further defined as performing a linear movement of the body of the transformable knob along an axis with the operator from the first state to the second state and wherein performing the secondary manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from the first sub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of the second state is further defined as rotating the body of the transformable knob about the axis with the operator from the first sub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of the second state. 
     In another aspect, performing the manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from the first state to the second state is further defined as rotating the body of the transformable knob about the axis with the operator from the first state to the second state. 
     In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knob from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state is further defined as uniformly flexing the periphery wall and increasing the size of the body from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state. 
     In another aspect, flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knob from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state is further defined as flexing the periphery wall and changing a shape of the body from the first configuration corresponding to the first state, to the second configuration corresponding to the second state. 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator coupled to the body and movable between a first position and a second position. The method further comprises moving the actuator from the first position to the second position simultaneously with performing the manipulation of the transformable knob with the operator from the first state to the second state and flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knob from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state. 
     In another aspect, the transformable knob comprises an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and an electric motor coupled to the actuator and in electronic communication with the controller. The method further comprises transmitting a configuration signal to the electric motor after comparing the input signal with the processor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and moving the actuator from the first position to the second position simultaneous with flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knob from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state. 
     In another aspect, the output device comprises a display surface arranged to show a first indicia and a second indicia. Changing the output device from the first setting to the second setting comprises changing the first indicia being shown on the display screen in the first setting to the second indicia being shown on the display screen in the second setting. 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method of operating a control system for a vehicle is presented. The control system comprises a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions and a transformable knob in electronic communication with the controller, with the transformable knob comprising a body having a periphery wall arranged to flex, an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and an electric motor coupled to the actuator and in electronic communication with the controller. The control system further comprises an output device in electronic communication with the controller. The method comprises performing a linear movement of the body of the transformable knob along an axis with an operator from a first state to a second state, transmitting an input signal from the transformable knob to the controller, receiving the input signal with the controller, and comparing the input signal with the processor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. The method further comprises transmitting an output signal from the controller to the output device, changing the output device from a first setting to a second setting, transmitting a configuration signal to the electric motor, moving the actuator from the first position to the second position, and simultaneously flexing the periphery wall of the transformable knob from a first configuration corresponding to the first state to a second configuration corresponding to the second state. The method further comprises rotating the body of the transformable knob about the axis with the operator from a first sub-state of the second state to a second sub-state of the second state, transmitting a secondary input signal from the transformable knob to the controller, receiving the secondary input signal with the controller, comparing the secondary input signal with the processor to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, transmitting a secondary output signal from the controller to the output device, and changing the output device from a first sub-setting of the second setting to a second sub-setting of the second setting. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one example of a transformable knob of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of one example of a transformable knob comprising a body having a periphery wall configured as a circle. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as a decagon. 
         FIG.  2 C  is a perspective view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as a square. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a top plan view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as a circle. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a top plan view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as a decagon. 
         FIG.  3 C  is a top plan view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as a hexagon. 
         FIG.  3 D  is a top plan view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as a square. 
         FIG.  3 E  is a top plan view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  2 A , with the periphery wall configured as an octagon. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformable knob showing a plurality of engagement arms disposed in a first position and the periphery wall disposed in a first configuration. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  4 A  showing the plurality of engagement arms disposed in a second position and the periphery wall disposed in a second configuration. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformable knob, showing an axle and a sleeve in engagement with the axle. 
         FIG.  6   . is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformable knob, showing an electric motor coupled to the axle. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformable knob, showing the body fixed to the axle and an actuator fixed to the axle. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformable knob, showing the plurality of engagement arms configured as a first plurality of plungers and a second plurality of plungers, with the arms disposed in the first position and the periphery wall disposed in the first configuration. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  8 A  showing the plurality of engagement arms configured as the first plurality of plungers and the second plurality of plungers, with the arms disposed in the second position and the periphery wall disposed in the second configuration. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  8 A  taken along line  9 - 9 , showing the actuator defined as a first actuator and the first plurality of plungers. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the transformable knob of  FIG.  8 A  taken along line  10 - 10 , showing a second actuator and the second plurality of plungers. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a cross-sectional view of one example of the transformable knob with the plurality of engagement arms configured as a mechanical iris disposed in the first position and the periphery wall disposed in the first configuration. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a cross-sectional view the transformable knob of  FIG.  11 A  with the plurality of engagement arms configured as the mechanical iris disposed in the second position and the periphery wall disposed in the second configuration. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic view of one example of a vehicle comprising a control system including the transformable knob, a controller, and an output device. 
         FIG.  13 A  is a schematic view of one example of control system showing the transformable knob disposed in the first configuration and the output device configured as a display surface and showing a first indicia. 
         FIG.  13 B  is a schematic view of the control system of  FIG.  13 A , with the transformable knob disposed in the second configuration and the output device configured as the display surface and showing a second indicia. 
         FIG.  14    is a is a flow chart showing one example of a method of operating the control system. 
         FIG.  15    is a is a flow chart showing another example of a method of operating the control system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , a control system is shown generally at  20 . The control system  20  is configured for use with a vehicle  22 . The control system  20  comprises a controller  24  comprising at least one processor  26  and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  including instructions. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  may include other data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, lookup tables, etc. A computer readable medium includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. The non-transitory computer readable medium  28  may include media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The processor  26  is configured to execute the code or instructions. 
     The control system  20  further comprises a transformable knob  30  configured to be manipulated by an operator between a first state and a second state and in electronic communication with the controller  24 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the transformable knob  30  comprises a body  32  having a periphery wall  34  arranged to flex between a first configuration corresponding to the first state and a second configuration corresponding to the second state. In the example shown in the Figures, the transformable knob  30  is disposed within an interior of the vehicle  22 . More specifically, the transformable knob  30  is mounted to a portion of the vehicle  22  that is within reach of the operator of the vehicle  22 , such as along a dashboard or a center console of the vehicle  22 . However, the transformable knob  30  may be utilized in any suitable location on the vehicle  22 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  12   , the control system  20  further comprises an output device  36  in electronic communication with the controller  24  and arranged to change between a first setting and a second setting. Manipulation of the transformable knob  30  by the operator from the first state to the second state transmits an input signal to the controller  24  and facilitates flexing of the periphery wall  34  from the first configuration (see  FIG.  13 A ) to the second configuration (see  FIG.  13 B ). The controller  24  is configured to receive the input signal and the processor  26  is programmed to compare the input signal to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  and transmit an output signal to the output device  36  to change the output device  36  from the first setting (see  FIG.  13 A ) to the second setting (see  FIG.  13 B ). 
     In one example, flexing the periphery wall  34  between the first and second configurations is further defined as uniformly flexing the periphery wall  34  and increasing the size of the body  32  from the first configuration to the second configuration. In another example, flexing the periphery wall  34  between the first and second configurations is further defined as flexing the periphery wall  34  and changing a shape of the body  32  from the first configuration to the second configuration. The manipulation of the transformable knob  30  causes both the change to the output device  36  and the corresponding change to the configuration of the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  (e.g., the size and/or the shape). As such, the transformable knob  30  functions as both an input from the operator to control the output device  36  as an output from the control system  20  that provides both visual and tactile feedback to the user that confirms the setting of the output device  36 . More specifically, the operator may ascertain the setting of the output device  36  from the configuration of the periphery wall  34  of the transformable knob  30 . Furthermore, the operator may ascertain the different configurations by touching the periphery wall  34  (i.e., without visually inspecting the transformable knob  30 ) which prevents the operator from averting their visual attention from the road while operating the vehicle  22 . Therefore, the transformable knob  30  promotes safe driving practices. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 11    B, the transformable knob  30  comprises an axle  38  extending along an axis A. The body  32  is mounted to the axle  38  and is rotatable about the axis A. The axle  38  is mounted to the vehicle  22  (e.g., dashboard and/or center console in the examples described above). The body  32  comprises a face plate  40  and the periphery wall  34  coupled to the face plate  40  and extending around the axis A, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2 C . The face plate  40  and the periphery wall  34  define a cavity  42 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 11 B . The periphery wall  34  arranged to flex relative to the axis A. The transformable knob  30  further comprises a plurality of engagement arms  44  disposed within the cavity  42  and movable toward and away from the axis A, with the plurality of engagement arms  44  configured to selectively engage and flex the periphery wall  34  between a first configuration and a second configuration. The transformable knob  30  further comprises an actuator  46  in engagement with the plurality of engagement arms  44  and arranged to move between a first position and a second position, with movement of the actuator  46  between the first and second positions facilitating corresponding movement of the plurality of engagement arms  44  to flex the periphery wall  34  between the first and second configurations, respectively. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  9   , the actuator  46  may extend along a first plane P 1  orthogonal to the axis A and defines a first track  48  extending in a curved radial configuration from the axis A. The plurality of engagement arms  44  comprise a first post  50  disposed in the first track  48 . The rotation of the actuator  46  moves the first post  50  within the first track  48  and correspondingly moves the plurality of engagement arms  44  between the first and second positions. The transformable knob  30  may further comprises a guide plate  52  extending along a second plane P 2  parallel to the first plane P 1 , with the plurality of engagement arms  44  disposed between the actuator  46  and the guide plate  52 . The guide plate  52  defines a second track  54  extending in a straight radial configuration from the axis A. The plurality of engagement arms  44  comprise a second post  56  disposed in the second track  54 . The guide plate  52  is stationary as the actuator  46  moves the engagement arms  44  between the first and second positions to guide the movement of the engagement arms  44  in linearly towards and away from the axis A. More specifically, the straight radial configuration of the second track  54  of the guide plate  52  directs the motion toward and away from the axis A while the curvature of the first track  48  of the actuator  46  converts the rotational motion of the actuator  46  into the linear motion of the arms  44 . 
     The guide plate  52  may be fixed to the body  32  and the guide plate  52  retains the rotational position of the engagement arms  44  relative to the body  32  as the actuator  46  moves the engagement arms  44  between the first and second positions. In the example shown in  FIG.  5   , the transformable knob  30  further comprises a sleeve  58  fixed to the actuator  46  and rotatably coupled to the body  32 , with the sleeve  58  extending along the axis A and with the sleeve  58  surrounding the axle  38  and defining a sleeve track  60  having a helical configuration. The axle  38  comprises a protrusion  62  extending outwardly from the axis A and in engagement with the sleeve track  60  with linear movement of the body  32  along the axis A causing the protrusion  62  to move along the sleeve track  60  and rotate the sleeve  58  to move the actuator  46  between the first and second positions. In the example shown in  FIG.  5   , the operator pushes the body  32  down toward the vehicle  22 . The axle  38  is fixed relative to the vehicle  22  and the axis A. The protrusion  62  slides within the sleeve track  60 . Because the sleeve track  60  has a helical configuration and because the axle  38  is fixed to the vehicle  22 , the sleeve  58  begins to rotate about the axle  38  as the body  32  moves down. More specifically, the helical configuration induces rotation of the sleeve  58 . The sleeve  58  may rotate relative to the body  32 , which prevents the body  32  from rotating with the sleeve  58  as the body  32  is pushed down. The sleeve  58  is fixed to the actuator  46 . As such, rotation of the sleeve  58  causes rotation of the actuator  46  which moves the engagement arms  44  from the first position to the second position. The transformable knob  30  sends the input signal to the controller  24 . The transformable knob  30  may remain in the second state. The transformable knob  30  may return to the first state by the operation of pulling the body  32  up. The transformable knob  30  may also comprise a biasing member  64  abutting the body  32  and configured to bias the body  32  toward the first state. As such, the transformable knob  30  may automatically return to the first state after the operator presses the body  32 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG.  6   , the actuator  46  is movable between the first position and the second position (independent of the body  32 ) and an electric motor  66  is coupled to the actuator  46  and in electronic communication with the controller  24 . The processor  26  is further programmed to transmit a configuration signal to the electric motor  66  to move the actuator  46  from the first position to the second position and flex the periphery wall  34  from the first configuration to the second configuration. More specifically, the electric motor  66  is coupled to the axle  38  and configured to rotate the axle  38  about the axis A. The axle  38  is fixed to the actuator  46 . Rotation of the axle  38  by the electric motor  66  moves the actuator  46  between the first and second positions. . In the example shown in  FIG.  6   , the operator pushes the body  32  down toward the vehicle  22 . The body  32  may comprise an anchor  68  and the vehicle  22  may define a receptacle  70  to receive the anchor  68  and fix the body  32  rotatably about the axis A in the second state. The axle  38  is rotatable about the axis A. The transformable knob  30  sends the input signal to controller  24  and receives the configuration signal in return. The electric motor  66  rotates the axle  38  about the axis A. The axle  38  is fixed to the actuator  46 . As such, rotation of the axle  38  causes rotation of the actuator  46  which moves the engagement arms  44  from the first position to the second position. The transformable knob  30  may remain in the second state. The transformable knob  30  may return to the first state by the operation pulling the body  32  up. The transformable knob  30  may also comprise the biasing member  64  abutting the body  32  and configured to bias the body  32  toward the first state. As such, the transformable knob  30  may automatically return to the first state after the operator presses the body  32 . When the transformable knob  30  returns to the first state, the engagement arms  44  may remain in the second position as the engagement arms  44  are coupled to electric motor  66  and move independent of the movement of the body  32 . However, the engagement arms  44  may return to the first position when the transformable knob  30  returns to the first state. 
     The guide plate  52  may be fixed relative to the axis A and retains the rotational position of the engagement arms  44  as the body  32  rotates about the axis A. Furthermore, the actuator  46  may be coupled to the body  32  and movable between the first position and the second position, with the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  by the operator from the first state to the second state further defined as movement of the body  32  by the operator from the first state to the second state causing corresponding movement of the actuator  46  from the first position to the second position to flex the periphery wall  34  from the first configuration to the second configuration. In the example shown in  FIG.  7   , the actuator  46  is fixed to the body  32  such that rotation of the body  32  about the axis A correspondingly moves the actuator  46  between the first and second positions. More specifically, the body  32  is fixed to the axle  38  and the axle  38  is rotatable relative to the vehicle  22 . Rotation of the body  32  from the first state to the second state causes the axle  38  to rotate about the axis A. The actuator  46  is fixed to the axle  38 . As such, rotation of the axle  38  causes rotation of the actuator  46  which moves the engagement arms  44  from the first position to the second position. The transformable knob  30  may remain in the second state. The transformable knob  30  may return to the first state by the operator rotating the body  32  back to the first state. The transformable knob  30  may also be rotationally biased back toward the first state. As such, the transformable knob  30  may automatically return to the first state after the operator rotates the body  32 . 
     The movement of the plurality of engagement arms  44  to flex the periphery wall  34  between the first and second configurations may be further defined as uniformly moving the plurality of engagement arms  44  outwardly away from the axis A to flex the periphery wall  34  and increase the size of the body  32  from the first configuration to the second configuration (i.e., the size change described above). Alternatively, the movement of the plurality of engagement arms  44  to flex the periphery wall  34  between the first and second configurations is further defined as moving a portion of the plurality of engagement arms  44  toward or away from the axis A to flex the periphery wall  34  and change the shape of the body  32  from the first configuration to the second configuration (i.e., the shape change above). 
     In the examples shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 10   , the plurality of engagement arms  44  are configured as a plurality of plungers  72  each individually engaging a portion of the periphery wall  34 . Furthermore, each of the plurality of engagement arms  44  may individually comprise the first post  50  and the second. Likewise, the actuator  46  may define numerous first tracks  48  and the guide plate  52  may define numerous second tracks  54 . The first posts  50  are individually disposed in the first tracks  48  and the second posts  56  are individually disposed in the second tracks  54 . Each of the plungers  72  may comprise a head  74 . Each of the heads  74  may have a curved surface  76  configured to engage the respective portion of the periphery wall  34 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . The curved surfaces  76  allow for the formation of shapes with curvatures, rather than only polygons with angular corners. However, some or all of the plungers  72  may comprise heads  74  having flat surfaces  78 . In the example shown in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , a portion of the plungers  72  have the curved surface  76  and a portion of the plungers  72  have the flat surfaces  78 . The combination of curved and flat surfaces  76 ,  78  allow for various shapes, including polygons and shapes that incorporate curved sides. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the actuator  46  may be further defined as a first actuator  46  and the plurality of plungers  72  are further defined as a first plurality of plungers  72 . The transformable knob  30  may further comprise a second plurality of plungers  80  and a second actuator  82  in engagement with the second plurality of plungers  80 , with the second actuator  82  configured to move the second plurality of plungers  80  independent of the first actuator  46  and the first plurality of plungers  72  to change the shape of the body  32  between the first and second configurations. The first plurality of plungers  72  may be radially offset from the second plurality of plungers  80  as shown in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , which allows the plungers  72 ,  80  to press on different portions of the periphery wall  34  at the different states due to the independent movement of the first and second actuators  46 ,  82 . More specifically, the first and second plurality of plungers  72 ,  80  are disposed in an alternating pattern about the axis A. The first actuator  46  moves the first plurality of plungers  72  outwardly from the axis A when the body  32  is rotated in a first rotational direction about the axis A from the first state to the second state. The second plurality of plungers  80  correspondingly move inwardly toward the axis A when the body  32  is rotated in the first rotational direction. The second actuator  82  moves the second plurality of plungers  80  outwardly from the axis A when the body  32  is rotated in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, about the axis A from the second state to the first state. The first plurality of plungers  72  correspondingly move inwardly toward the axis A when the body  32  is rotated in the second rotational direction. As such, the first and second plurality of plungers  72 ,  80  facilitate flexing the periphery wall  34  into different shapes between the first and second positions. 
     In the example shown in  FIGS.  4 A,  4 B,  8 A, and  8 B , the periphery wall  34  comprises a plurality of knurls  84  arranged end-to-end and a plurality of hinges  86  individually disposed between the knurls  84 . Flexing the periphery wall  34  comprises folding the knurls  84  about the hinges  86 . As such, the knurls  84  allow the periphery wall  34  to fold into different shapes as different engagement arms  44  press on and move the periphery wall  34 . The periphery wall  34  may comprise an elastomeric material such that flexing the periphery wall  34  comprises bending the elastomeric material of the periphery wall  34 . Furthermore, flexing the periphery wall  34  may comprise stretching the elastomeric material of the periphery wall  34 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , the plurality of engagement arms  44  are substantially flat and overlap one another about the axis A. The engagement arms  44  collectively engage the periphery wall  34  entirely around the axis A. The engagement arms  44  rotate and correspondingly move inwardly or outwardly while in engagement with the periphery wall  34 . The rotational movement of the engagement arms  44  flex the periphery wall  34  and change the configuration between the first and second configurations. More specifically, the plurality of engagement arms  44  are configured as a mechanical iris  88 . In the example shown in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , the mechanical iris  88  changes the size of the periphery wall  34 . However, the engagement arms  44  may be positioned such that their rotational movements may facilitate the shape change of the periphery wall  34 . 
     As described above, the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  by the operator from the first state to the second state may be further defined as rotation of the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  about the axis A from the first state to the second state or linear movement of the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  along axis A from the first state to the second state. However, the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  may be further defined as sliding the transformable knob  30  along a surface, tipping the transformable knob  30 , etc. Furthermore, the manipulation of the knob  30  may comprise engagement with the transformable knob  30  that does not move the knob  30 , such as engaging a touch sensor disposed on the knob  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , the output device  36  may comprise a display surface  90  arranged to show a first indicia  92  and a second indicia  94 , with the display surface  90  showing the first indicia  92  in the first setting and the second indicia  94  in the second setting. The display surface  90  may be a screen capable of displaying an image. The first indicia  92  and second indicia  94  may comprise text, an icon, or the like that indicates the disposition of the output device  36  in the first and second settings, respectively. 
     With reference to  FIG.  12   , the output device  36  may further comprise a ride control module  96  configured to change dynamics of the vehicle  22  between a first ride mode and a second ride mode, with the first ride mode corresponding to the first setting and the second ride mode corresponding to the second setting. More specifically, the ride control module  96  may control suspension characteristics such as the rate at which shock absorbers dampen the oscillation of the sprung wheels. The ride control module  96  may also control powertrain characteristics, such as the maximum power output of an electric motor at a given moment (in an electric powered vehicle) or the shift points of a transmission (in an internal combustion engine powered vehicle). On the other hand, the output device  36  may further comprise a cabin comfort module  98  configured to change an environment within the vehicle  22  between a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode, with the first comfort mode corresponding to the first setting and a second comfort mode corresponding to the second setting. More specifically, the cabin comfort module  98  may control the radio, the HVAC, and other systems that alter the environment within the vehicle  22 . 
     The terms “first” and “second” above in association with states, positions, configurations, settings, etc. are relative and do not signify any importance or order. Furthermore, although the transformable knob  30  is described above as being manipulated between two states which cause the periphery wall  34  to change between two configurations and the output device  36  to change between two settings, this is for exemplary purposes. It is to be appreciated that the transformable knob  30  may be the control system  20  may be configured for use with a plurality of states, configurations, settings, etc. As a non-limiting example, the ride control module  96  may change between five ride control modes, including a tour mode, a sport mode, a track mode, an off-road mode, and an operator configurable mode. As such, the transformable knob  30  may be manipulated between five states which cause the periphery wall  34  to change between five configurations. The configurations may each have a different shape, as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 3 E . Likewise, the cabin comfort module  98  may change between five comfort modes, including a volume mode, a tune mode, a temperature mode, a fan speed mode, and a fan location mode. As such, the transformable knob  30  may be manipulated between five states which cause the periphery wall  34  to change between five configurations. The configurations may each have a different shape (reference again to  FIGS.  2 A- 3 E ). 
     The manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state may be further defined as a primary manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state. The operator may further perform a secondary manipulation of the transformable knob  30  from a first sub-state of the second state to a second sub-state of the second state, which transmits a secondary input signal from the transformable knob  30  to the controller  24 . The processor  26  then compares the secondary input signal to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  and transmits a secondary output signal from the controller  24  to the output device  36 , which changes the output device  36  from a first sub-setting of the second setting to a second sub-setting of the second setting. The changing of the output device  36  between the settings and the sub-settings is referred to as multi-function control. The changing of the output device  36  between only the settings is referred to as dedicated control. 
     The example above pertaining to the ride control module  96  is an example of a dedicated control. The transformable knob  30  may be manipulated to change the ride control module  96  between the five ride control modes. However, there are no sub-settings of the ride control modes that can be changed through a secondary manipulation of the transformable knob  30 . In this example, the operator changes the ride control mode by rotating the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  between five states that correspond with the five rode control modes. However, the transformable knob  30  could be configured to change between the states by linearly moving (i.e., pressing) the body  32 . 
     The example above pertaining to the cabin comfort module  98  is an example of a multi-function control. The transformable knob  30  may undergo a primary manipulation to change the cabin comfort module  98  between the five comfort modes. The transformable knob  30  may also undergo a secondary manipulation to change the cabin comfort module  98  between at least two sub-settings for a selected comfort mode. The sub-settings may include the volume level for the volume comfort mode, the temperature level for the temperature comfort level, the speed at which the fan rotates for the fan speed comfort mode, etc. In this example, the operator changes the comfort mode by rotating the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  between five states that correspond with the five comfort modes. The operator may change sub-setting for a selected comfort move by linearly moving (i.e., pressing) the body  32 . However, the opposite may be true (i.e., the knob  30  may be linearly moved to change between the comfort modes and rotated to change between the sub-settings). 
     A method  200  of operating the control system  20  is also disclosed herein and shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   . The method comprises performing the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state (see box  202 ), transmitting the input signal from the transformable knob  30  to the controller  24  (see box  204 ), receiving the input signal with the controller  24  (see box  206 ), and comparing the input signal with the processor  26  to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  (see box  208 ). The method further comprises transmitting the output signal from the controller  24  to the output device  36  (see box  210 ), changing the output device  36  from the first setting to the second setting (see box  212 ), and flexing the periphery wall  34  of the transformable knob  30  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state (see box  214 ). 
     In one example, performing the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state (see box  202 ) is further defined as rotating the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  about the axis A with the operator from the first state to the second state. In another example, performing the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state (see box  202 ) is further defined as performing the linear movement of the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  along the axis A with the operator from the first state to the second state 
     Performing the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state (see box  202 ) may be further defined as performing the primary manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state. The method further comprises performing the secondary manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first sub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of the second state (see box  216 ), transmitting the secondary input signal from the transformable knob  30  to the controller  24  (see box  218 ), and receiving the secondary input signal with the controller  24  (see box  220 ). The method further comprises comparing the secondary input signal with the processor  26  to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  (see box  222 ), transmitting the secondary output signal from the controller  24  to the output device  36  (see box  224 ), and changing the output device  36  from the first sub-setting of the second setting to the second sub-setting of the second setting (see box  226 ). With reference to box  202 , performing the primary manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state may be further defined as performing the linear movement of the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  along the axis A with the operator from the first state to the second state. With reference to box  216 , performing the secondary manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first sub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of the second state may be further defined as rotating the body  32  of the transformable knob  30  about the axis A with the operator from the first sub-state of the second state to the second sub-state of the second state. 
     In one example, flexing the periphery wall  34  of the transformable knob  30  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state (see box  214 ) is further defined as uniformly flexing the periphery wall  34  and increasing the size of the body  32  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state. In another example, flexing the periphery wall  34  of the transformable knob  30  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state (see box  214 ) is further defined as flexing the periphery wall  34  and changing the shape of the body  32  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state, to the second configuration corresponding to the second state. 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , the method may further comprise moving the actuator  46  from the first position to the second position (see box  228 ) simultaneously with performing the manipulation of the transformable knob  30  with the operator from the first state to the second state (see box  202 ) and flexing the periphery wall  34  of the transformable knob  30  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state (see box  214 ). Alternatively (and with reference to  FIG.  15   ), the method may further comprise transmitting the configuration signal to the electric motor  66  (see box  230 ) after comparing the input signal with the processor  26  to the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium  28  (see box  208 ) and moving the actuator  46  from the first position to the second position (see box  232 ) simultaneous with flexing the periphery wall  34  of the transformable knob  30  from the first configuration corresponding to the first state to the second configuration corresponding to the second state (see box  214 ). 
     As described above, the output device  36  may comprise the display surface  90  arranged to show the first indicia  92  and the second indicia  94 . As such, changing the output device  36  from the first setting to the second setting (see box  212 ) may comprise changing the first indicia  92  being shown on the display screen in the first setting to the second indicia  94  being shown on the display screen in the second setting. 
     Accordingly, the transformable knob  30  offers several advantages. The transformable knob  30  functions as a physical control, with the change in size and/or shape providing tactile feedback and clear confirmation to operator of selections, which helps to maintain the operator&#39;s attention on the road. The change in size and/or shape further enhances the usability and performance of the control system  20  and provide for user personalization and comfort. The transformable knob  30  further reinforces the user experience during driving scenarios by providing a more intuitive interaction with the control system  20 . 
     The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the general sense of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.