HVAC Actuator Leaf Spring Mounting for Parallel Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle component control units with multiple symbol fields face challenges in providing comfortable and effective parallel guidance of actuating elements, as traditional leaf spring constructions fail to meet increasing demands for comfort and stability, particularly in preventing tilting and ensuring orthogonal movement.
Innovation Solution
The proposed operating unit employs a bearing device with multiple pairs of leaf springs, including at least one pair arranged orthogonally to ensure parallel displacement of the actuating element, reducing hardware complexity and enhancing comfort by allowing orthogonal movement without tilting, and incorporating angled leaf springs for reduced assembly effort and improved guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leaf spring constructions are used for mounting actuating elements, then the structure is simple, but the parallel guidance and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing device is segmented into multiple independent leaf spring pairs (first pair and second pair) with different orientations. Each pair independently provides guidance in specific directions, collectively achieving stable parallel guidance. The first pair of leaf springs provides guidance in one direction while the second pair provides guidance in an orthogonal direction, preventing tilting and ensuring the actuating element moves parallel to the control surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bearing device have specialized functions: the first pair of leaf springs is optimized for guidance in one direction, while the second pair is optimized for orthogonal guidance. This local specialization allows each component to excel at its specific guidance task, collectively achieving comprehensive parallel guidance stability.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of leaf springs are used to improve parallel guidance, then the stability increases, but the hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each leaf spring pair serves multiple functions: providing elastic mounting, guiding movement in specific directions, and preventing tilting. The first pair guides in one direction while the second pair guides in the orthogonal direction, together achieving comprehensive parallel guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The two pairs of leaf springs are arranged orthogonally to each other, creating equipotential guidance conditions in both horizontal and vertical directions. This symmetric orthogonal arrangement ensures that the actuating element experiences equal guidance constraints in all lateral directions, maintaining parallel movement regardless of which direction the force is applied.
3Length of moving object
If the actuating element is depressed at the edge, then the stroke is maximized, but tilting occurs instead of parallel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The orthogonal pair of leaf springs acts as a counterbalancing mechanism. When the actuating element is depressed at one edge, causing potential tilting in one direction, the orthogonal pair of leaf springs provides counteracting guidance forces that prevent the tilt and maintain parallel movement. This counterbalancing effect works regardless of where on the control surface the force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a second orthogonal dimension of guidance by introducing the second pair of leaf springs. Instead of relying on a single pair of leaf springs that can only guide in one direction, the orthogonal second pair adds guidance in the perpendicular direction, converting a one-dimensional guidance system into a two-dimensional guidance system that prevents tilting while allowing full stroke.
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 solution provides improved parallel guidance and reduced hardware complexity, allowing for simpler sensor systems that are less sensitive to tilting, with the potential for reduced hardware requirements and enhanced tactile feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing device (18) having at least a first pair of leaf springs (64) with two leaf springs (36) arranged one above the other and spaced apart from one another... the bearing device (18) for elastically mounting the actuating element (10) on the holding device (16)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A control unit for a vehicle component, in particular for a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system is provided with an actuating element (10) that can be manually actuated, a retaining device (16) for retaining the actuating element (10) and a mounting device (18) for elastically mounting the actuating element (10) on the retaining device (16). The mounting device (18) has at least one first pair (64) of leaf springs comprising two mutually spaced leaf springs (36) situated one above the other and running in parallel, their first ends lying one above the other being directly or indirectly connected to the actuating element (10) and their second ends lying one above the other being directly or indirectly connected to the retaining device (16). The mounting device (18) also has at least one second pair of leaf springs (36). Said at least one second pair (66) of leaf springs is oriented at an angle not equal to 0° to the at least one first pair (64) of leaf springs, in particular oriented at right angles to the at least one first pair (64) of leaf springs.