Push Switch Mass Compensation for Consistent Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle interior design requires large, heavy elements to function as push switches, but existing solutions struggle to maintain consistent actuation forces across different installation locations and orientations, leading to potential malfunctions and erroneous triggerings due to acceleration and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design featuring a push cap, baseplate, and two levers that form mass compensation, allowing for a flat, robust, and cost-effective structure with consistent triggering forces, using a single switch element for haptic feedback and capable of withstanding accelerations, with optional weights or material accumulations for mass adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large, heavy display is integrated into the push switch, then the push switch can serve as both a display and a control element, but the additional mass causes movements on the display and erroneous triggerings due to acceleration and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by introducing compensation masses (Ausgleichsmassen) that are specifically designed to offset the effects of the display's mass. These compensation masses are positioned to create counteracting moments that prevent unwanted movements and erroneous triggerings during acceleration and vibration, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the integrated display-control function
2Area of moving object
If the push switch is designed with a large surface area, then it can be used as both display and control element, but the surface begins to tilt and shift perpendicular to the direction of actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the push switch structure into multiple independent components: the push cap (Druckkappe), the push button (Drucktaste), and the base structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the large surface area can be maintained for display purposes while the underlying segmented structure provides stability and prevents tilting and shifting during actuation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the push switch is installed in positions where the actuation direction is parallel to the direction of travel, then it can be installed in various locations, but acceleration and braking maneuvers cause display movements
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation masses are strategically positioned to provide counteracting moments specifically for acceleration and braking scenarios. The counterweights are arranged to offset the inertial forces generated during vehicle acceleration and deceleration, preventing display movements regardless of the push switch's installation orientation or location
4Loss of information
If the push switch uses a heavy display, then it provides comprehensive information display, but the triggering force varies depending on installation location
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation masses are designed to counteract the gravitational and inertial effects that would otherwise cause variations in triggering force. By positioning these masses to create counterbalancing moments, the system ensures that the actuation force remains consistent whether the push switch is installed on the dashboard, door, or ceiling, while the heavy display continues to provide comprehensive information
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 design ensures consistent actuation forces and prevents twisting, providing reliable operation across various installation positions and orientations, reducing play and installation space while maintaining haptic feedback, even under acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
die Gewichte sind derart ausgewählt, dass sie eine Massenausgleichung für den Druckkappenbereich bilden
Data Source
AI summary
A push switch and a motor vehicle in which such a push switch is used. The push switch has a push cap, a baseplate, a switch element which is actuatable by the push cap, a first lever, and a second lever. The first lever and the second lever are mounted rotatably on the baseplate by means of bearing blocks and are each connected movably to the push cap at a first lever end. At a second lever end, the first lever and the second lever are connected movably to one another. The first lever and the second lever are designed such that they form mass compensation for the push cap.