Pivot Knob Curvature for Power Window Switch Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power window switches with convex knob portions often cause the operator's finger to slip off, especially when the operator has long fingernails, leading to operational mistakes and requiring larger switch mechanisms to mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
A switch member with a convex knob portion that pivots around a pivot shaft, featuring a curved convex base surface with a radius of curvature that gradually increases in the pulling direction, designed as an involute curve to provide a secure grip and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deeply gouged portion is formed for the operator to insert his/her finger, then the finger slippage problem is solved, but the size of the switch mechanism becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the base surface of the knob portion as a curved convex surface with a specific radius of curvature (5mm to 15mm). This curved surface creates a natural finger-catching geometry that prevents slippage without requiring deep gouges, thereby maintaining compact dimensions while improving grip stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the knob surface by specifying a radius of curvature between 5mm to 15mm for the base surface. This parameter optimization allows the surface to provide adequate finger insertion depth while maintaining an overall compact switch mechanism size, resolving the contradiction between grip stability and compactness.
2Ease of operation
If the radius of curvature is increased in the pulling direction, then the finger grip is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved convex surface with controlled radius of curvature (5mm to 15mm) on the base surface of the knob. This curvature provides comfortable finger grip and natural insertion geometry while remaining manufacturable through standard injection molding techniques, balancing ease of operation with manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch member comprising a convex knob portion on which the finger of an operator catches, wherein the knob portion is retained such that it is pivotable around a pivot shaft, a base surface of the knob portion is configured as a curved convex surface, wherein the curved convex surface is configured as a surface whose radius of curvature gradually becomes larger in a pulling direction of the finger catching on the knob portion, is provided.