Vehicle Dimmer Switch Asymmetric Rotation Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimmer switches for vehicles, particularly MUVs, face challenges in providing high operability and preventing erroneous operations, especially when used in rough terrain or steep inclines, due to similar rotation angles between beam positions and interference with the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A dimmer switch with a rotary operation portion arranged above and below a horizontal line, featuring distinct rotation angles between off, low beam, and high beam positions, along with a positioning mechanism using balls and hemispherical holes for clear position indication, and extended fixed contact points for stable beam transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dimmer switch uses similar rotation angles between beam positions, then the structure is simple, but erroneous operations occur easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by setting different rotation angles for different beam position transitions. Specifically, the rotation angle from low beam to high beam position is made different from the rotation angle from off to low beam position. This asymmetric angle design prevents erroneous operations by making unintended switching difficult, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the operation portion is positioned near the steering wheel for easy access, then ease of operation improves, but interference with steering wheel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the specific positioning of the operation portion within the available space. The operation portion is positioned in a location that balances accessibility for the driver while maintaining sufficient clearance from the steering wheel to prevent interference. This localized optimization allows the dimmer switch to be easily accessible without compromising steering wheel operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the dimmer switch positions are arranged symmetrically around the rotation axis, then manufacturing is easier, but position differentiation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in the angular positioning of beam positions relative to the rotation axis. The low beam position, high beam position, and off position are arranged at asymmetric angles, creating distinct tactile and visual references for each position. This asymmetric arrangement makes position differentiation easier for the operator while remaining manufacturable through precise angular positioning during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A dimmer switch includes a main body and an operation portion. The operation portion is provided in the main body to be rotatable around a rotation axis to switch the dimmer switch among an off position, a low beam position, and a high beam position. The low beam position and the high beam position are provided above a horizontal line passing through the rotation axis and the off position is provided below the horizontal line in a state where the dimmer switch is attached to a vehicle body. A first rotation angle between the off position and the low beam position is set to be larger than a second rotation angle between the low beam position and the high beam position.