Linear Damper Switch Isolation via Rotary Gear Rack

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear dampers with integrated switches face manufacturing tolerances that can negatively affect damping properties, requiring a design that compensates for these tolerances to maintain effective damping.

Innovation Solution

A linear damper design incorporating a rotary damper and gear rack system with a switch housing containing fixed and displaceable contact terminals, where the switch is driven to disconnect the terminals as the displaceable part approaches its limit position, ensuring damping properties are unaffected by manufacturing tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the switch contact terminals are configured inside the damper cylinder, then the switch can be integrated into the linear damper, but manufacturing tolerances affect the damping properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of switch into damperVSAvoiddamping properties affected by tolerances

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the damper into functionally independent segments: the damping mechanism (rotary damper and gear rack) and the switch mechanism are separated into different spatial and functional zones. The switch housing is mounted on the stationary part while the contact terminals are actuated by the moving part, allowing each segment to operate independently without tolerance interference from the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control device that mediates between the moving part and the contact terminals. This control device translates the motion of the moving part into precise actuation of the contact terminals, isolating the switch operation from direct tolerance effects of the damper components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the switch housing is mounted on the stationary part with control device on the moving part, then damping properties are free from negative influences of tolerances, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping properties unaffected by tolerancesVSAvoidswitch and damper structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical linkage between the moving part and switch, provides structural support for the contact terminals, and enables the switching function. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall device complexity despite the distributed mounting arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the switch housing with the stationary part of the damper and integrates the control device with the moving part, creating a unified assembly where the switch and damper work as an integrated system rather than separate components, thereby managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the damper housing and gear rack are designed to allow 180° rotation, then adaptability to different mounting orientations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting orientation flexibilityVSAvoiddamper housing design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damper housing and gear rack are designed with asymmetric features that enable 180° rotation to different mounting positions. The asymmetric design includes features such as asymmetric mounting flanges or attachment points that allow the damper to be installed in multiple orientations while maintaining proper function, providing versatility without requiring multiple different damper models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 provides a linear damper with an integral switch that maintains damping effectiveness by isolating manufacturing tolerances, allowing for flexible mounting and orientation, and enabling applications like illuminating a glove compartment without compromising damping performance.

Implementation Method 1

damping various vehicle parts using rotary or linear dampers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

A linear damper uses a rotary damper cooperating with a gear rack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear rack: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP1971792B1Linear damper with integrated switch

Publication Date: 2011.06.29 ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODS

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A linear damper fitted with an integrated switch, characterized by the following features: a rotary damper comprising a housing and a pinion, a gear rack cooperating both with said pinion and with a linear guide of the damper housing, either the rotary damper or the gear rack being connected to a displaceable damper part, whereas the other damper part is stationary, a switch comprising a switch housing in which are configured two stationary and one displaceable contact terminals, said switch housing being mounted at the linear damper's stationary or displaceable part and a control device at the displaceable or stationary damper part to drive the displaceable contact terminal as it approaches a limit position.