Direction Indication Mechanism Miniaturization via Segmented Cam Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direction indication mechanisms for vehicles are not adequately miniaturized without compromising the displacement of the ratchet, which limits their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A direction indication mechanism featuring a rotating member with a first cam surface for holding the ratchet at the retract position and a second cam surface, fixed and separate from the rotating member, allowing the ratchet to enter the rotating trajectory of a cancel cam, enabling miniaturization of the rotating member and its housing without inhibiting ratchet displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotating member includes both the first cam surface and the second cam surface, then the ratchet displacement function is complete, but the rotating member size and housing area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are segmented into two separate components: the first cam surface is provided on the rotating member, while the second cam surface is provided on a fixed member that does not rotate with the rotating member. This segmentation allows the rotating member to be miniaturized while maintaining the complete ratchet displacement function through the combined action of both cam surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cam surface is extracted from the rotating member and transferred to a separate fixed member. This extraction reduces the size requirements of the rotating member, allowing for miniaturization of both the rotating member and the housing while the fixed member provides the additional cam surface functionality needed for complete ratchet displacement.
2Area of stationary object
If the rotating member is miniaturized, then the housing area is reduced, but the ratchet displacement may be inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cam surface functionality between the rotating member (first cam surface) and the fixed member (second cam surface), the rotating member can be miniaturized without compromising the total displacement capability of the ratchet, as the fixed member's cam surface compensates for the reduced size of the rotating member.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed member acts as an intermediary that provides the second cam surface functionality without rotating. This intermediary component enables the rotating member to be smaller while still achieving the necessary ratchet displacement through the sequential action of both cam surfaces on the ratchet.
3Device complexity
If the second cam surface is integrated with the rotating member, then the component count is reduced, but the rotating member size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface functionality is segmented between two components: the rotating member with the first cam surface and the fixed member with the second cam surface. This segmentation reduces the volume of the rotating member while maintaining complete functionality, with the fixed member serving as a separate but integrated part of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support as part of the housing and simultaneously provides the second cam surface functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, offsetting the increased component count while enabling rotating member miniaturization.
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 allows for the miniaturization of the direction indication mechanism, reducing component count, improving space utilization, and lowering costs by minimizing the size and weight of the rotating member while maintaining ratchet functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first cam member which is provided on the rotating member and which includes a first cam surface including a portion that holds the ratchet at the retract position
Implementation Method 2
a second cam member which is fixed so as not to be interlocked with the rotation of the rotating member and which includes a second cam surface including a portion that allows the ratchet to move to the entry position
Implementation Method 3
a ratchet which is slidable between an entry position where the ratchet enters a rotating trajectory of a cancel cam mounted on a steering shaft of the vehicle and a retreat position where the ratchet retracts from the rotating trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket is rotatable between a neutral position and a direction indication position in response to an operation by a user. A ratchet is slidable between an entry position where the ratchet enters a rotating trajectory of a cancel cam mounted on a steering shaft of a vehicle and a retract position where the ratchet retracts from the rotating trajectory interlocking with rotation of the bracket. A cam surface forming protrusion is provided on the bracket, and includes a cam surface including a neutral holding portion that holds the ratchet at the retract position when the bracket is at the neutral position. A cam surface forming wall is fixed so as not to be interlocked with rotation of the bracket, and includes a cam surface including a portion that allows the ratchet to enter to the rotating trajectory when the bracket is rotated to the direction indication position.