Operation Unit Support Structure for Multi-Direction Movement Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation apparatuses face challenges in restricting extra movement of the operation unit without adding complex stopper mechanisms, especially when installed outside the instrument panel, which complicates the restriction of movement in multiple directions.

Innovation Solution

The operation apparatus incorporates a support member with a coupling support portion that includes an elastic deformation portion, allowing the operation unit to be fixed and restricting its movement by a restriction portion that comes into contact when the elastic deformation occurs, thereby eliminating the need for a separate stopper mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a separate stopper mechanism is added to restrict the operation unit's movement in multiple directions, then the movement restriction capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement restriction capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stopper function with the support member by integrating a stopper protrusion directly into the support member structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stopper mechanism, thereby restricting the operation unit's movement in multiple directions while maintaining simple device structure. The support member now performs both support and movement restriction functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate stopper mechanism is added to restrict the operation unit's movement, then the movement restriction capability is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement restriction capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stopper function with the support member by integrating a stopper protrusion directly into the support member structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stopper mechanism, thereby restricting the operation unit's movement in multiple directions while maintaining simple device structure. The support member now performs both support and movement restriction functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a separate stopper mechanism is added to restrict the operation unit's movement, then the movement restriction capability is improved, but the assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement restriction capabilityVSAvoidassembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stopper function with the support member by integrating a stopper protrusion directly into the support member structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stopper mechanism, thereby restricting the operation unit's movement in multiple directions while maintaining simple device structure. The support member now performs both support and movement restriction functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution effectively restricts the operation unit's movement in various directions without adding complexity, ensuring stability and reducing the number of components and assembly steps required.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling support portion including an elastic deformation portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3923117B1Operation apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3923117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923117B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923117B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A unit chassis of an operation unit is fixed by a fixing screw to a coupling support portion provided at a support member. A front contact portion is formed at a fixing piece provided at the coupling support portion, and a front restriction portion formed at a right plate portion of the support member and the front contact portion face each other to be spaced apart by a distance in the front-rear direction (Z1-Z2 direction). When the operation unit is pulled toward the near side (Z1 direction), the front contact portion comes into contact with the front restriction portion and restricts a movement of the operation unit.