Automotive Mirror Switch Shaft Neutral Position Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mirror control switches for automobiles fail to distinguish the neutral position of the operational knob from the switch operational position, leading to unnecessary inclination motion and potential damage, causing user confusion and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with an operational knob, a shaft, first and second stationary contact points, and engagement projection portions, where the engagement projection portions are locked at the neutral position to prevent inclination motion and released at the operational position to allow inclination motion, ensuring clear distinction between neutral and operational positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operational knob is allowed to perform inclination motion at the neutral position, then the switch device can operate in all positions, but it becomes difficult to distinguish the neutral position from the switch operational position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual differentiation through engagement projection portions that become visible or accessible only at specific positions. The guide portion with limiting face creates a visible or tactile reference point that changes appearance or accessibility between neutral and operational positions, allowing users to easily distinguish positions without restricting operational versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operational knob can perform inclination motion at the neutral position, then all positions are operable, but the durability of the switch device is reduced due to wasteful operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the guide portion with limiting face to prevent the shaft from swinging at the neutral position before any operational inclination motion can occur. This pre-prevention mechanism blocks wasteful operations that would reduce durability, while still allowing full operational flexibility when the knob is rotated to switch operational positions where the limiting face no longer constrains the shaft
3Ease of operation
If the operational knob performs inclination motion at the neutral position, then the switch can be operated in all positions, but user confusion occurs due to inability to distinguish neutral from operational position
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement projection portions and guide portion create visual or tactile information cues that change between neutral and operational positions. When the shaft is at the neutral position, the limiting face engages with the engagement projection portion, creating a distinct visual or tactile state that differs from the operational position, thereby preventing loss of position information while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A spherical portion of a shaft is provided with engagement projection portions at two locations to be arranged by intervals of 90° in the rotational circumferential direction and there is provided a guide portion including limiting faces for being engaged to the engagement projection portions to lock a swing motion of the shaft and release recessed portions for releasing the engagement of the engagement projection portions at a switch operational position where the operational knob is rotated to allow an operation of the inclination motion by the operational knob in a plane direction due to the swing of the shaft. This construction thus prevents the operation of the inclination motion by the operational knob when the operational knob is at a neutral position.