Actuation Device With Stable Positions And Signal Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating apparatuses in vehicles often require buttons as operating elements, which may have undesirable design or tactile feedback, and switches that do not return to their starting position after actuation, leading to a need for an alternative that mimics button behavior without the physical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An actuating apparatus with a mechanical operating element that has stable positions and a signal transmitter, causing a first and second signal change in the output signal upon actuation, allowing the mechanical element to behave like a button, with an evaluation circuit to detect these changes and ensure a redundant output signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buttons are used as operating elements, then tactile feedback and design flexibility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanical operating element that copies the functional behavior of a button (returning to starting position, generating signal changes) without using actual button components. The lever system with first and second positions mimics button actuation characteristics while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical button structures with a simplified lever-based mechanical operating element that achieves the same functional results through purely mechanical means, eliminating the need for additional button components and reducing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If switches are used as operating elements, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to mimic button behavior is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic lever system that can transition between first and second positions, enabling the mechanical operating element to exhibit button-like behavior (returning to starting position) while maintaining structural simplicity. The lever's ability to move and return dynamically provides the necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical operating element serves multiple functions: it acts as a switch for signal transmission, provides tactile feedback through its movement, and mimics button behavior by returning to its starting position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate button components.
3Reliability
If additional diagnosis is implemented, then signal reliability is improved, but signal evaluation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an evaluation circuit that detects signal changes and provides feedback to determine whether the mechanical operating element has been actuated. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable signal evaluation without requiring complex additional diagnosis, as the circuit automatically interprets the signal changes generated by the lever's movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating apparatus having a signal transmitter and a mechanical operating element, wherein the mechanical operating element includes a first position that is stable over time and a second position that is stable over time, wherein the mechanical operating element, in the case of a movement from the first position that is stable over time into the second position that is stable over time, actuates the signal transmitter, and wherein the signal transmitter, upon actuation, causes a first signal change followed by a second signal change of an output signal, and an evaluation circuit detects an actuation of the mechanical operating element based on the first signal change and the second signal change.