Flexible Vehicle Door Switch Actuating Element and Lever Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch devices for vehicle doors are complex and inefficient in terms of space usage and actuation effort, despite providing a large actuating surface.

Innovation Solution

A switch-actuating device with a flexible actuating element and pivoted lever mechanism that allows the actuating surface to be pressed over a large area, transmitting compressive force to a microswitch, while minimizing space usage and allowing for easy actuation, with the lever and actuating element often formed as a single component and featuring articulations that allow for flexibility and efficient switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a large actuating surface is provided for the switch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of actuationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element and lever are merged into a single component formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate articulation mechanisms while maintaining the large actuating surface and lever functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single component serves multiple functions: it provides the large actuating surface for user input, acts as the lever for mechanical advantage, and integrates the articulation mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a complex mechanism is used to transmit force from a large actuating surface to the switch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of actuationVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the actuating element and lever into one component, the patent eliminates unnecessary intermediate structures and reduces the overall space required for the mechanism while maintaining force transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates redundant components from traditional multi-part mechanisms, retaining only the essential lever function integrated into the actuating element, thereby reducing space occupation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional multi-component mechanisms are used for switch actuation, then the switching function is reliable, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element and lever are manufactured as a single integrated component, reducing assembly steps and potential failure points from component interfaces while maintaining the reliable lever-based switching mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While integrating components, the design maintains functional segmentation through distinct regions (actuating surface, pivot point, switch contact point) that preserve the reliable lever mechanism while simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies the manufacturing process, allows for efficient actuation over a large surface area, and maintains space below the actuating surface for other functionalities, while ensuring reliable operation and adaptability to various installation situations.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating element is of flexible configuration, and therefore, when the actuating surface is subjected to manual pressure, the actuating element bends or deforms in a flexible manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

has a lever, which is mounted such that it can be pivoted, via a pivot pin, in relation to the first component or the first component group and which is connected to the actuating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 3

the effort expended on actuating the switch and also the relative position of the switch can be determined via the different securing of the lever arms between switch and pivot pin and between first articulation and pivot pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11203887B2Simplified vehicle door switch device with a large actuating surface

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A switch actuating device (1) for a vehicle door includes an actuating element (10) with an actuating surface (11), a mechanical switch (20) and a mechanism (30). The switch is secured on a first component/component group (31). A lever (32) is mounted for pivot in relation to the first component/component group (31). A first region (32.2) of the lever is connected to a first part of the actuating element (10) via a first articulation (10.1). A second part of the actuating element (10) is mounted on the first component/component group (31) via a second articulation (10.2). The actuating element (10) bends when the actuating surface (11) is subjected to manual pressure causing the distance between the first articulation (10.1) and the second articulation (10.2) to shorten, which causes the lever (32) to pivot toward the switch such that the switch is switched.