Automobile Haptic Actuator with Integrated Electrical Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle control devices with haptic feedback are costly and time-consuming to assemble, especially when customizing options like backlighting and touch-sensitive surfaces, and require electrical wires or connectors for actuator connection, which complicates the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A control device with an actuator that uses two electrical connection pins to connect directly with conductive tracks on the electronic circuit, eliminating the need for wires or connectors, and a mechanical coupling via a pedestal for robustness and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical wires or connectors are used to connect the actuator to the support, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and assembly cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and mechanical mounting function into a single integrated actuator component. The actuator body directly contacts conductive areas on the support structure, eliminating the need for separate electrical wires or connectors. This integration allows simultaneous achievement of reliable electrical connection and rapid assembly, as the actuator is mounted to the support in a single operation that provides both mechanical support and electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional electrical wires or connectors are used to connect the actuator to the support, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and mechanical mounting function into a single integrated actuator component. The actuator body directly contacts conductive areas on the support structure, eliminating the need for separate electrical wires or connectors. This integration reduces assembly cost by reducing the number of components and assembly steps, while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the direct contact interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If additional holding means are used to secure the actuator, then mechanical strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and mechanical mounting function into a single integrated actuator component. The actuator body directly contacts conductive areas on the support structure, serving both electrical and mechanical functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for additional holding means such as separate fasteners or mounting brackets, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining adequate mechanical strength through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2180489B1Control device for an automobile and corresponding actuator
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 DAV
  • EP2180489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2180489B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The device (1) has a touch control surface (5) comprising a sensor for detecting a contact of a user on the surface. An actuator (7) drives the surface in movement to generate a haptic feedback to the user. A support (9) supports an electronic circuit of the device. The actuator comprises two electrical connector pins contacted with conductor tracks of the electronic circuit for electrically connecting the actuator and the support.