Microswitch with Variable Conductivity for Multi-Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microswitches in motor vehicles are limited in their ability to detect multiple positions accurately, as they typically only allow for small electrical loads and have limited switching functionality, making them unsuitable for complex position detection tasks in automotive locks and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A microswitch with an arcuate, elastically deformable conductor element that connects or disconnects multiple conductor tracks, allowing for resistance-based position detection by utilizing sections with different electrical conductivities, enabling the detection of multiple positions through resistance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional microswitch is used for position detection, then the device is simple and robust, but it can only detect limited positions and is suitable only for small electrical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the conductor element by introducing sections with different electrical conductivities along its length. When the conductor element moves to different positions, different conductivity sections contact different conductor tracks, creating distinct resistance patterns that enable detection of multiple positions (at least three different positions) using a single microswitch structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate switches are used to detect multiple positions, then position detection accuracy improves, but production costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single conductor element with differentiated conductivity sections. Instead of using multiple separate switches to detect different positions, one integrated conductor element performs all position detection functions by contacting different conductor tracks at different positions, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accurate multi-position detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the conductor element has uniform conductivity, then the structure is simple, but position detection through resistance measurements is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform electrical conductivity within the conductor element. Different sections of the conductor element have different electrical conductivities, allowing resistance measurements to indicate specific positions. This local differentiation of electrical properties enables precise position detection while maintaining overall structural simplicity and robustness.
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 microswitch can detect a large number of positions with a compact and robust design, reducing production costs and environmental vulnerability, making it suitable for use in motor vehicles for position detection in locks, doors, and other components.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate, elastically deformable conductor element (6) which can be actuated in such a way that the curved conductor element (6) is elastically deformed in this way that at least one end region (7), preferably both end regions (7), of the curved conductor element (6) are displaced
Implementation Method 2
allowing for resistance-based position detection by utilizing sections with different electrical conductivities, enabling the detection of multiple positions through resistance measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a microswitch that allows the setting of the microswitch to be detected. This problem is solved in that a microswitch is provided which comprises a conducting element that can be moved along a surface. At least one, preferably at least two, conducting tracks are integrated in the surface in such a way that the conducting tracks can be contacted by the movable conducting element. By means of the actuation of the microswitch, the movable conducting element is moved at least in some regions. During the movement, the movable conducting element lies on the surface along which the movable conducting element is moved. By means of the movement, two electrical conducting tracks are electrically connected to each other or an electrical connection between two conducting tracks is disconnected. Thus, the movement causes electrical switching. One or more contact surfaces, which are electrically connected to each other by means of the movement, have differently electrically conductive regions in such a way that electrical resistances of electrically connected surfaces change by means of the movement. A plurality of different switch settings can then be determined by means of resistance measurements. Thus, if such a microswitch is used for position detection, more than two different positions can be detected.