Steering Wheel Horn Switch Circuit With Fewer Connection Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle sound horn systems embedded in the steering wheel require numerous manual connections, increasing manufacturing time, error potential, and cost due to the multiplication of switches and connections needed for effective movement detection.
Innovation Solution
A sound warning device with an electrical control detection circuit featuring switches connected in series, where each switch has isolated contacts and a contact bridge on the control part to connect them, reducing the number of manual connections required for assembly to two terminals, allowing for efficient movement detection with multiple switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple switches are distributed across the control part surface to detect movement quickly, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the number of manual connection points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch circuits are merged into a single series circuit configuration. The control part carries multiple contact bridges that sequentially contact fixed contacts on the base part, forming a series circuit where all switches share common connection points. This merging allows multiple detection points to be achieved while maintaining only two external connection points to the electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part acts as an intermediary carrier that integrates multiple contact bridges and connects them to the base part's fixed contacts. This intermediary structure enables the formation of multiple switch positions without requiring multiple independent connection points, as the control part itself serves as the connection medium between all switch elements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple switches are used distributed across the control part, then movement detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch functions are combined into a single series circuit integrated on the control part. By merging multiple contact bridges and fixed contacts into one unified circuit path, the system achieves wide detection coverage without requiring separate assembly operations for each switch, thereby reducing manufacturing time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part is segmented into multiple functional zones with distributed contact bridges, each capable of detecting pressure at different locations. This segmentation allows comprehensive detection coverage while maintaining a unified circuit structure that simplifies manufacturing, as all segments are integrated into one control part assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple manual connections are made for each switch, then circuit reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch connections are merged into a single series circuit with shared connection points. Instead of making separate connections for each switch, the control part integrates all contact bridges into one continuous circuit path that requires only two external connections to the electrical system, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically simplifying assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
An acoustic warning device for a motor vehicle, comprising: • a base part (33), • a mobile control part (25), • an electrical command detection circuit with at least two switches (10), wherein the switches (10) are normally closed switches (10), characterized: in that the two switches (10) are connected in series, in that at least one of the switches (10) comprises two contacts (11) that are isolated from one another.