Modular Operating Switch Assembly with Redundant Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often lack specialized operating elements, leading to the use of 'blind caps' which indicate missing features and can result in unreliable electrical contacts due to contamination or faults.
Innovation Solution
A modular operating switch assembly with a housing containing switch operating cells, guide walls, and switch actuating members that can be connected to key caps, allowing for flexible configuration of functionalities and redundant contact pairs to ensure reliability and avoid blind caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blind caps are used to replace missing operating elements, then the vehicle can be equipped with a base configuration, but the vehicle appearance becomes less exclusive and functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating switch assembly is divided into modular components: a base housing with multiple switch operating cells, where each cell can be independently configured. This segmentation allows individual cells to be activated or deactivated based on equipment requirements, eliminating the need for blind caps while maintaining appearance quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different configurations of switch operating cells. The same housing structure serves multiple functions by allowing selective activation of operating cells, thereby adapting to various equipment levels without requiring different physical components or blind caps.
2Reliability
If standard contact pairs are used in operating switches, then the device structure remains simple, but reliability decreases when contacts become contaminated or faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant contact pairs as a preventive measure against contact failure. When contamination or fault is detected in one contact pair, the system can switch to the redundant contact pair, ensuring continuous reliable operation without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different operating cells can be equipped with different numbers of contact pairs based on their specific reliability requirements. Critical functions receive enhanced protection with redundant contacts, while less critical functions use standard single contact pairs, optimizing the overall system without unnecessary complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating elements are provided for different functions, then functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single housing structure serves as a universal platform for multiple operating functions. The housing can accommodate different combinations of switch operating cells, allowing the same physical structure to provide varying levels of functionality depending on which cells are activated, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple switch operating cells are integrated into a single unified housing assembly. This merging of multiple functional elements into one compact unit reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies installation and maintenance while maintaining full functionality.
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 modular design provides a more exclusive appearance by eliminating blind caps and ensures reliable operation by allowing redundant contact pairs to compensate for faulty contacts, enhancing user experience and vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The guide element can be constructed as a reflector. In this case, the reflector is suitable for directing light, i.e. it may be illuminated for example from the side facing away from the operating key. A function illumination of the operating key is thereby made possible by means of the photoconducting characteristic of the reflector.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular operating switch assembly comprises a housing defining a plurality of switch operating cells. Each of the operating cells has guide walls, a switch actuating member in sliding contact with the guide walls, and a switch contact carrier configured to be selectively equipped with contact pairs such that each of the contact pairs is associated with at least one said switch actuating member. Each switch actuating member is operable to be selectively connected to a key cap associated with a single switch operating cell, or with a key cap associated with a plurality of adjacent switch operating cells.