Modular Contactor Carriage for Vehicle Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle control switches under the steering wheel require high modularity to accommodate varying customer options, but existing electric switch structures lack the necessary flexibility to easily switch between weak-current and strong-current contactor elements without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A contactor carriage with separate housings for strong-current and weak-current contactor elements, allowing for interchangeable installation of either type, along with an elastic contact strip design featuring fork-shaped branches for enhanced contact reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single housing is used for contactor elements, then the device structure is simple, but the modularity and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing for strong-current contactor elements and a second housing for weak-current contactor elements. This segmentation allows independent selection and installation of appropriate contactor types for different functions, thereby improving modularity and adaptability while managing structural complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to accommodate both strong-current and weak-current contactor elements through dedicated housings. This multi-functional design enables the same switch body to support different current types, enhancing versatility without requiring completely different switch designs for each application.
2Power
If strong-current contactor elements are used, then high current handling capability is achieved, but electric arcs may form and damage the electric contact
Solution Approach 1:
By separating strong-current and weak-current contactor elements into different housings, the system can select appropriate contactor types for each application. Strong-current elements are isolated in their own housing where they can handle high power, while weak-current elements reside in another housing, preventing cross-contamination and damage from electric arcs.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as an intermediary that physically separates and protects different types of contactor elements. This intermediary structure prevents electric arcs from strong-current operations from damaging weak-current contactor elements, thereby protecting reliability while maintaining high current handling capability where needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switch structure is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but ease of modification for different customer options is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into modular components with separate housings for different current types. This segmentation allows customers to select and assemble only the contactor elements needed for their specific application, enabling easy customization for different vehicle options while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing of each modular component.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design allows for dynamic configuration where strong-current and weak-current contactor elements can be selectively installed or removed based on customer requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the same base structure to serve multiple configurations without requiring complete redesign, balancing ease of manufacture with customization flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A contactor carriage fitted so as to move translationally in an electrical switch of a motor vehicle, in a unit providing controls under the steering wheel, in order to establish according to a user command, an electrical contact for one or more predefined positions of the path of the carriage is disclosed. The carriage has at least one electrical contacting emplacement, a first housing for accommodating a high-current contactor element and a second housing for accommodating a low-current contactor element. An electrical contact is established at said emplacement either by placing a high-current contactor element in the associated housing or by placing a low-current contactor element in said housing.