Multifunctional Switch Manipulator Integrating Door Handle and Window Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The separation of interior door handles and power window switches in vehicles restricts size reduction and design freedom, hindering the trend towards increased interior space and standardized integration.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional switch manipulator integrates an interior door handle and a power window switch into a single assembly, featuring a semispherical design with radially extending switch units and a rotary knob system, allowing for combined operation and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interior door handle and power window switch are separated into different components, then each component can be independently operated and maintained, but the overall size increases and design freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interior door handle and power window switch into a single integrated manipulator assembly. The door handle mechanism and power window switch are merged into one compact unit that occupies a single space in the vehicle door, thereby reducing the overall volume while maintaining independent operational capability of both functions through separate actuation mechanisms within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated manipulator serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a door handle for opening/closing the door and a power window switch for controlling window operation. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate components, achieving size reduction while preserving independent operation of each function through distinct actuation zones and mechanisms within the same assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interior door handle and power window switch are separated into different components, then each component can be independently designed, but design freedom is restricted due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the door handle and power window switch into a single standardized manipulator assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be designed, manufactured, and assembled. This integration creates a universal base structure that can accommodate different function configurations, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining design flexibility through modular functional elements within the unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized manipulator assembly serves as a universal platform that can incorporate different functional configurations (door handle, power window switch, or other vehicle controls) within a single design framework. This multi-functional standardization reduces the need for multiple specialized component designs, simplifying the overall device complexity while preserving adaptability through configurable functional modules within the standardized structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the manipulator size is reduced through integration, then interior space increases and design freedom improves, but the complexity of integrating multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the power window switch mechanism is integrated within the door handle assembly. The rotary knob for window control is positioned within or adjacent to the door handle structure, allowing one mechanism to be nested within or alongside the other. This nesting approach achieves compact size reduction while managing integration complexity by organizing multiple functions in a hierarchical, space-efficient arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to integrate multiple functions within a compact volume. The manipulator employs radial arrangement of switch units around a central axis, with switch units positioned at different angular positions and depths. This dimensional organization allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a small space without excessive integration complexity, as each function occupies a distinct spatial zone within the unified assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional switch manipulator is provided. The manipulator includes a first switch unit, which is curved to be convex at the upper surface thereof, a second switch unit, which is disposed at a first side of the first switch unit and which extends radially in a first direction, and a third switch unit, which is disposed at a second side of the first switch unit and which extends radially in a second direction opposite the first direction. Each of the second and third switch units includes a housing that has an opening and a rotary knob disposed at the housing to be rotatable in a direction in which the opening extends, and at least one surface of the rotary knob is exposed to an outside through the opening.