Vehicle Control Knob With Pivot-Sliding Contactor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current movable wheel control devices for vehicles suffer from significant parasitic frictions, leading to inaccurate positioning and unstable operation, which affects the precision and user experience in selecting vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical control device with minimized internal friction, featuring a pivot-sliding connection between the directional contactor and shaft, and a discrete indexing means for stable immobilization, along with a return mechanism that isolates restoring forces from the indexing and directional sensors, ensuring precise and stable wheel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic domes are used to generate restoring forces for the wheel return, then the wheel can return to neutral position, but parasitic friction occurs between the domes and the plate affecting sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into functionally independent modules: the directional contactor handles lateral movements and activates directional sensors, while the rotation indexing means handles main rotation and activates the rotation sensor. This segmentation allows each module to operate with minimal interference and friction from other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoring force mechanism (elastic domes) is extracted and dedicated solely to returning the directional contactor to neutral position, while the rotation indexing means is separately designed to handle main rotation without being subjected to the same restoring forces, thereby eliminating parasitic friction between these systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lower gimbal is held by flexible uprights and lugs, then the structure is stable, but friction occurs between the lugs and gimbal affecting rotation positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation indexing means is extracted as a separate module that directly engages with the shaft for main rotation. This eliminates the need for the lower gimbal structure to support rotation, removing the source of friction between lugs and gimbal that affected positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex gimbal-based rotation mechanism is replaced with a simpler direct engagement system where the rotation indexing means (with index and notched crown) directly interfaces with the shaft, reducing mechanical friction and improving positioning precision.
3Measurement precision
If the index stops at the edge of a notch due to parasitic friction, then the wheel stops in an unstable position, but the slightest stress causes displacement bringing the index to the bottom of the notch
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded index mechanism converts the potential harm of friction-induced unstable positioning into a benefit: the spring force ensures the index always settles at the bottom of a notch (stable position) rather than stopping at the edge, transforming friction from a harmful factor into a mechanism that guarantees stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded index provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining constant contact force with the notched crown, ensuring that the index smoothly transitions into and settles at the bottom of each notch, preventing unstable stopping positions before they can occur.
4Speed
If the plate rotates during main rotation of the wheel, then the rotation is transmitted, but the plate rubs against the upper gimbal creating friction that interferes with operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented so that main rotation (handled by the rotation indexing means) is functionally separated from lateral directional movements (handled by the directional contactor). This segmentation eliminates the need for the plate to rotate during main rotation, removing the source of friction between the plate and upper gimbal.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation transmission function is extracted from the plate-gimbal mechanism and assigned to the rotation indexing means that directly engages with the shaft. This extraction eliminates the parasitic friction that occurred when the plate rubbed against the upper gimbal during rotation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a precise and pleasant user experience by eliminating parasitic friction, ensuring the wheel returns to a stable neutral position without error, even under vibrations, and maintains accurate function selection.
Implementation Method 1
a discrete means for indexing the main rotation connected in rotation with the shaft... an index urged by an elastic means such as a spring, against a notched indexing wheel
Implementation Method 2
The positioning of the index at the bottom of a notch determines a stable angular immobilization position of the wheel
Implementation Method 3
The pivot connection between the directional contactor and the shaft is of the pivot-sliding type, isolating the discrete indexing means from the restoring force
Implementation Method 4
a means for returning the wheel to the neutral position... permanently exerts on the directional contactor a return force which, during directional displacements, is oriented in a direction opposite to the pivoting
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (10) including a knob (12) that is secured to the end of a shaft (16) extending along a main axis (P). The shaft is pivotable and the main axis (P) is inclined relative to the neutral axis (N). Additionally, the knob (12) and the shaft (16) are rotatable. The device (10) includes a contactor (34) connected to the shaft (16) and extending perpendicularly up to a distal engagement area (36). The distal area (36) engages with a sensor (24) and the pivotal movement of the shaft (16) pivots the contactor (34) and actuates the sensor (24). A separate means (52) for indexing the main rotation (RP) is rotatably connected to the shaft (16) that determines the stable positions (PS) for immobilizing the knob (12). The directional contactor (34) and the shaft (16) are pivotably connected (LP) along the main axis (P).