In-Vehicle Press-Down Knob Structure for Moisture Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user operation devices in vehicles are susceptible to moisture infiltration through the knob opening, which adversely affects the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
The user operation device incorporates eaves extending outward from the wall part of the holder, an outer wall part with a descending slope, and a groove system with drain holes to divert and discharge water away from the circuit board, preventing moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flange part is provided between the protection cover and the case to prevent infiltration, then the structure is improved for moisture protection, but the circuit board is still adversely affected in the event of infiltration from the knob opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a new spatial dimension by extending the holder's wall upward beyond the knob opening and adding eaves that protrude outward. This creates a multi-layered spatial barrier system that blocks moisture from reaching the circuit board from above, complementing the existing flange part's side protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is segmented into multiple functional parts: the flange part for side protection, the upward-extending holder wall for top protection, and the eaves for overhang protection. Each segment handles a specific direction of potential moisture infiltration, creating comprehensive coverage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the holder wall is extended upward to cover the circuit board opening, then moisture infiltration is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves multiple functions by merging the support function (holding the circuit board) with the protection function (extending upward to block moisture). The eaves are integrated into the holder structure, combining the overhang feature with the wall extension, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A first user operation unit includes a top surface and a first wall part extending downward from an outer side of the top surface. A press-down operation in the top surface allows the first user operation unit to move in a vertical direction. A holder supports the first user operation unit from below and includes a circuit board on a bottom surface of the holder. An outer wall part of the holder extends upward from an outer side of the circuit board and is provided outside the first wall part of the first user operation unit. Eaves of the first user operation unit extend outward from the first wall part and covers the outer wall part of the holder from above.