Modular Vehicle Switch System with Resistive Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch and control systems for motor vehicle lighting functions require complex wiring and assembly, especially for optional features, making them cumbersome and costly to install and adapt.
Innovation Solution
A modular switch and control system comprising a main module and optional satellite modules with matching connectors and resistive voltage dividers for easy identification and processing of signals, eliminating the need for additional wiring by using a digital microcontroller to convert signals into control signals for a vehicle bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switch and control systems are used for lighting functions, then lighting control capability is provided, but wiring complexity and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into a main module and multiple satellite modules, each with independent housings and connector interfaces. The main module contains the rotary light switch and basic control functions, while satellite modules provide additional lighting control functions. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in different ways depending on the vehicle's lighting requirements, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses and enabling easy adaptation to various lighting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface is designed with universal functionality to handle both electrical connections and mechanical positioning. The same connector structure serves multiple purposes: providing power and signal connections, determining module orientation, and enabling the main module to communicate with different types of satellite modules. This universal interface design simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining versatility in lighting control applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optional satellite modules are added to extend lighting functions, then adaptability and versatility improve, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the lighting control functionality into independent main and satellite modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled later. Each module has its own housing and connector, allowing for modular manufacturing and flexible assembly configurations based on the specific vehicle model's lighting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface incorporates self-aligning and self-positioning features that automatically determine the correct orientation and connection when a satellite module is attached to the main module. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations, significantly simplifying the assembly process while enabling easy addition of optional lighting functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate housings with matching engagement structures are used for main and satellite modules, then module interchangeability and adaptability improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is designed with universal characteristics where the same connector geometry serves multiple functions: electrical connection, mechanical attachment, orientation determination, and type identification. This universal design allows different satellite modules to be interchangeably connected to the main module without requiring different connector designs, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical parameters (resistive voltage dividers with different resistance values) to encode satellite module types rather than using physically different connector geometries. This allows the same mechanical connector to work with multiple module types, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining interchangeability and adaptability across different lighting configurations.
4Measurement precision
If electrical coding means with resistive voltage dividers are used for module identification, then module type detection accuracy improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical resistance values as a simple parameter to encode module type information. Each satellite module type is assigned a unique resistance value through a resistive voltage divider network. The main module's digital controller measures the voltage division ratio to identify the connected satellite module type. This approach provides accurate module identification using simple passive components without requiring complex coding circuits or communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical identification mechanisms (such as physical keys, shaped connectors, or mechanical interlocks) with an electrical measurement approach. The digital controller uses voltage measurement across the resistive voltage divider to determine module type, substituting a simple electrical sensing operation for what would otherwise require complex mechanical differentiation mechanisms.
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
Enables flexible and efficient adaptation to various lighting functions without additional wiring, simplifying installation and reducing complexity, while allowing for seamless integration of optional features in a cost-effective manner.
Implementation Method 1
Coding of the optional satellite modules can be accomplished in an easy way by means of resistive voltage dividers. The main module identifies a connected satellite module based on a voltage detected at the resistive voltage divider.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular switch and control system for use in a motor vehicle is provided, that is easily and flexibly adapted to the particular needs and requires no additional wiring for added modules. The modular switch and control system comprises a main switch module and optional satellite modules of different types. The main and satellite modules have separate housings with matching engagement structures permitting each satellite module to be fitted to one side of the main module. Each satellite module is electrically connected with the main module through matching male and female connectors. Each satellite module is provided with electrical coding device accessible through the connectors and permitting each satellite to be provided with a code indicative of the module type. The main module further includes detection device for accessing the coding device and detecting the type of connected satellite modules, and processing device for processing signals received from connected satellite modules and for generating control signals. The control signals are preferably applied through an appropriate interface to a bus installed in the vehicle, e.g. a CAN bus or a LIN bus.