Dual Push Button Switch Assembly with Resilient Dome and Hall Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle switch assemblies lack sufficient user feedback and fail to meet industry regulations due to their single-switch configuration, which does not provide adequate confirmation of button actuation for mode selection.
Innovation Solution
A dual push button switch assembly with an elastic button, a resilient dome, and an actuator that activates both a dome sensor and a hall sensor when moved to the actuated position, ensuring redundant feedback and compliance with industry standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single switch is used in the switch assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and compliance with industry regulations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single switch is segmented into two separate switches (first switch and second switch) that are activated by the same button press. This segmentation provides redundant confirmation of activation, ensuring that at least one switch reliably detects the button actuation state, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a resilient dome element that provides tactile feedback before actual switch activation. This cushioning mechanism gives the user advance confirmation that the button has been properly actuated, which then triggers both switches simultaneously, ensuring reliable signal transmission
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical spring is used to bias the button, then the ease of operation is improved, but the feedback mechanism to confirm correct actuation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient dome element serves as a feedback mechanism that provides tactile response to the user when the button is actuated. As the button is pressed, the dome deforms and rebounds, giving the user sensory confirmation that the actuation was successful, thereby preventing loss of information about the button state
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical spring biasing mechanism is replaced with a resilient dome element that combines both the biasing function and the feedback function. This substitution maintains ease of operation through elastic recovery while simultaneously providing tactile feedback to confirm actuation, eliminating the need for separate feedback mechanisms
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 dual switch configuration provides clear tactile feedback and redundant activation signals, enhancing user confidence in mode selection and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient dome being moveable between a first normal position and a second depressed position... The resilient dome biasing the actuator towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
A second switch comprising a hall sensor is disposed on the surface of the printed circuit board and extends into the second through-hole... the hall sensor senses a change in the magnetic field of the magnetic element, thereby simultaneously activating the second switch
Data Source
AI summary
A dual push button switch assembly for a vehicle includes an elastic button being moveable between a first unactuated position and a second actuated position, an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position, and first and second switches. When the elastic button is in the first unactuated position, a resilient dome biases the actuator into the first position, and when the elastic button is moved towards the second actuated position, a force applied to the elastic button is transmitted to the actuator to move the actuator towards the second position, and wherein as the actuator moves towards the second position, the first and second switches are activated.