Pivot Switch Assembly With Haptic Feedback and Dust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive switches in vehicles lack haptic feedback and allow dust penetration due to the space between the top cap and the cover, compromising perceived quality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with a top cap and intermediate cart in sliding engagement, providing haptic feedback with minimal space between components, utilizing elastic members for activation forces and multiple contact points for intuitive function control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toggle switch is used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback is improved, but the space between the top cap and cover increases allowing dust penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a top cap for user interaction, an intermediate cart for mechanical movement, and a socket for housing. This segmentation allows the top cap to be positioned flush with the cover while maintaining the necessary mechanical clearance for haptic feedback through the intermediate cart's movement within the socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate cart is nested within the socket, allowing it to move vertically while remaining contained. This nesting structure enables the top cap to sit flush with the cover surface, eliminating the gap that would allow dust penetration, while the intermediate cart's movement within the socket provides the necessary haptic feedback mechanism.
2Length of stationary object
If capacitive switches are used to reduce space, then the space between top cap and cover is reduced, but haptic feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both capacitive and mechanical switches by combining a flush-mounted top cap (like capacitive switches) with a mechanical intermediate cart that provides haptic feedback. The intermediate cart's physical movement and engagement with the socket create tactile feedback while maintaining minimal external profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate cart acts as an intermediary element between the top cap and the internal switch mechanism. It transmits the user's pressing force from the top cap to the contactors while providing haptic feedback through its own movement and engagement, thus mediating between the flush-mounted top cap and the internal mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contactors are added to provide multiple functions, then function versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate cart serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback through its movement, acts as a mechanical linkage to activate contactors, and can be configured to engage with different types of contactors (push-button, rotary, etc.). This multi-functionality allows a single intermediate cart design to support various switch configurations and functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
The switch assembly offers haptic feedback with reduced dust ingress, enhanced perceived quality, and cost-effectiveness by allowing multiple functions with minimal space, providing a reliable and intuitive user interface.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member arranged between the intermediate cart and the bottom surface, the at least one elastic member defining at least part of the activation force of the sliding movement
Implementation Method 2
the top cap is in a spherical or pivot engagement with the intermediate cart to allow a spherical or pivot movement of the top cap upon an activation force applied to the top cap
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A switch assembly (10) comprising a socket (50), a top cap (20) and an intermediate cart (40) located in the socket (50), wherein the intermediate cart (40) is slidable with the socket (50), the top cap (20) is in a spherical or pivot engagement with the intermediate cart (40), and wherein an activation force of the sliding movement is lower than an activation force of the spherical or pivot movement.