Vehicle Door Multifunction Switch With Integrated Backup Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle doors often require separate mechanical and electronic systems for opening, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience, especially when power is unavailable, and auxiliary opening systems are difficult to locate and operate intuitively.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction switch that integrates mechanical and electrical controls into a single unit, allowing doors to be opened electronically or mechanically, with a backup power system to ensure functionality during power outages and a self-presenting mechanism for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical and electronic systems are used for opening vehicle doors, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate mechanical and electronic door opening systems into a unified multifunction switch assembly. The switch housing integrates both mechanical actuation mechanisms and electronic control circuitry into a single compact unit, eliminating the need for separate control components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational reliability through integrated redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The multifunction switch assembly serves multiple door opening functions through a single device. It can operate in mechanical mode through direct physical actuation, electronic mode through electrical signals, and includes a backup power system for emergency operation. This multi-functional design consolidates what were previously separate systems into one universal control unit.
2Reliability
If separate mechanical and electronic systems are used for opening vehicle doors, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but ease of operation worsens due to multiple control points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple control mechanisms into a single multifunction switch assembly that provides unified access control. Users interact with one integrated component rather than locating and operating separate mechanical and electronic systems, significantly improving ease of operation while the integrated design maintains reliability through combined functional pathways.
3Reliability
If auxiliary opening systems are provided separately, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as they are difficult to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power system and auxiliary opening mechanisms are integrated within the multifunction switch housing rather than being distributed as separate components. This consolidation ensures that backup functionality is immediately accessible at the primary control location, eliminating the problem of users difficulty locating auxiliary systems while maintaining reliability through redundant power and control pathways.
4Device complexity
If integrated multifunction switch is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multifunction switch assembly is designed as a modular integrated unit with distinct functional segments for mechanical actuation, electronic control, and backup power systems. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be manufactured and tested independently with standard precision requirements, while the final assembly maintains overall system precision through standardized interfaces and mounting fixtures, thereby managing manufacturing complexity effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for opening vehicle doors with a multifunction switch are provided. A multifunction switch of this disclosure may provide a unified system where multiple functions can be controlled from a single point, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. Using a multifunction switch as a single unit, the latch can be operated either electrically or mechanically.