Integrated Hinge Knob Plunger for Automotive Window Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power window switches for automotive vehicles are complex and costly to produce due to the need for multiple molds and assembly steps, and they require more space and weight, with rubber domes of different thicknesses making them difficult to manufacture and assemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A pentaposition switch device where the hinge knob body and plunger form a single piece, using identical rubber domes on a keypad membrane that can close partially or completely a printed circuit board, with a connection member and elastically working part to simplify the system and reduce the number of parts, molds, and assembly steps, while minimizing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rubber domes of different thicknesses are used to achieve two-stage operation clicks, then the switch can perform manual and automatic operations, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to requiring specific molds for different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with localized thickness variations in specific areas rather than using rubber domes of different overall thicknesses. This allows the switch to achieve two-stage operation capability while maintaining uniform rubber dome manufacturing, reducing mold complexity and production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of varying the rubber dome thickness to achieve different operation stages, the invention inverts the approach by varying the base thickness underneath the rubber domes. This maintains uniform rubber dome manufacturing while achieving the desired two-stage operation through the base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex base with different thicknesses is used to support rubber domes for two-stage operation, then manual and automatic clicks are achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base incorporates localized thickness variations only in the specific areas where rubber domes are positioned, rather than making the entire base complex. This achieves the two-stage operation capability while minimizing manufacturing complexity and production cost.
3Ease of operation
If multiple pieces are used to compose the switch device, then the functionality is achieved, but the assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge knob body and plunger are merged into a single integrated piece, reducing the total number of components in the switch device. This maintains all necessary functionalities while significantly reducing assembly steps and improving production productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thicker parts are used for manual operation and thinner parts for automatic operation, then the two-stage click is achieved, but the device requires more space in X/Y direction for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from varying rubber dome dimensions to varying base thickness in the vertical dimension (Z-axis), allowing the rubber domes to remain uniform and minimizing the device's footprint in the X/Y plane while still achieving two-stage operation capability.
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
This design reduces production costs, simplifies assembly, and minimizes the switch device's size and weight without compromising resistance, allowing for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of power window switches.
Implementation Method 1
at least one plunger (4) located between the rear face (R) of the hinge knob body (2) and said first and second rubber domes (5, 5'), such that a pivoting movement of the hinge knob body (2) can be transmitted to at least one of said first and second rubber domes (5, 5')
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a switch device (1) comprising: • a hinge knob body (2), • a printed circuit board (6) presenting a printed circuit and at least a first and a second rubber domes (5, 5') whose can close partially or completely a part of the printed circuit, and • at least one plunger (4), such that a pivoting movement of the hinge knob body (2) can be transmitted to at least one of said rubber domes (5, 5'), the at least one plunger (4) comprises: • a pushing surface (41) configured to cooperate with a protrusion (42), • a base plate (43) configured to be in contact with said rubber domes (5, 5'), • a lever member (44) inclined with respect to said base plate (43), to transmit a pivoting movement to the base plate (43), and • a connection member (45) having a first end (451) and a second end (453), configured such that the hinge knob body (2) and the plunger (4) form only one piece.