Movable Housing Switch for Compact Sealed Vehicle Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for vehicles are often complex to seal, particularly on the outer side of the vehicle, and are not compact enough to fit seamlessly into vehicle panels.
Innovation Solution
The actuation device features a housing unit with a first and second housing section, where the switching element is integrated into the second housing section, allowing it to move from a rest position to an actuation position, thereby simplifying the sealing mechanism and achieving a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the switching element is integrated into the movable second housing section, then the actuation device achieves compactness and simplified sealing, but the device complexity increases due to the movable housing section mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is merged with the second housing section, forming an integrated assembly that moves together. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall device volume while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing section is designed to be movable relative to the first housing section, transitioning between rest and actuation positions. This dynamic configuration allows the device to achieve compactness in the actuated state while providing sealing advantages during movement.
2Shape
If the actuation device is designed to be flat and compact, then it fits seamlessly into vehicle panels, but the sealing mechanism becomes more difficult to implement effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into at least two housing sections, with the second section being movable. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a flat profile when not actuated while providing the necessary movement capability for effective sealing during actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second housing section acts as a flexible element that can deform or move to create effective sealing contact. This flexible approach allows the flat device structure to achieve reliable sealing without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the switching element moves with the second housing section from rest to actuation position, then the actuating capability is improved, but the device requires additional space for the movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second housing section with the switching element is nested within or adjacent to the first housing section. This nesting arrangement allows the moving components to be accommodated within the overall device footprint, minimizing the additional space required for the movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement of the second housing section is designed to occur in a direction that optimizes space utilization. By carefully selecting the movement dimension and direction, the device achieves improved actuating capability while minimizing the volume increase that would result from the movement range.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation device (3) for installing on a vehicle part (2), in particular in the form of a door or a hatch, having an electric switch means (30) with at least one switch element (31) for initiating a vehicle function and having a housing unit (10) with at least one first and second housing section (11, 12), wherein the second housing section (12) can be moved from a rest position (I) into an actuation position (II) at least in some regions relative to the first housing section (11) in order to actuate the switch element (31). The invention additionally relates to a vehicle (1) and to an actuation method (100).