Retractable Vehicle Button Module With Cam-Driven Visibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of buttons in vehicles can lead to complexity, errors in operation, and a cluttered interior, compromising user experience and aesthetic quality.
Innovation Solution
An operation apparatus with a panel, an operation module that moves between visible and hidden positions, a rotary link, and a cam mechanism, allowing buttons to appear and disappear, reducing the number of buttons needed and enhancing visibility and design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is increased to provide more functions, then the functionality of the vehicle is improved, but the interior becomes cluttered and aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The button is configured to dynamically change its position between a first position (recessed into the panel) and a second position (protruding from the panel). This dynamic positioning allows the button to be visible and accessible when needed while remaining hidden when not in use, thereby providing multiple functions without permanently cluttering the interior space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is increased to provide more functions, then the functionality of the vehicle is improved, but the interior aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The button transitions between a hidden state (recessed) and a visible state (protruding), creating a clean, minimalist aesthetic when not in use while remaining fully functional when activated. This dynamic appearance preserves the aesthetic quality of the interior design.
3Ease of operation
If buttons are made more visible to improve user interaction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the interior clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button is positioned in a protruding state during active use to maximize visibility and ease of operation, then transitions to a recessed state when inactive to minimize visual clutter. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both usability and aesthetic appearance at different times.
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 solution improves button visibility, reduces clutter, and simplifies the vehicle's interior design while maintaining functionality, achieving a more compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a cam pin guide provided on the other one of the operation module and the rotary link, connected to the cam pin to induce an angular motion in which the rotary link is rotated within a predetermined angular range, and having a guide path for moving the operation module to the first position or the second position according to a direction of the angular motion
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an operation apparatus for a vehicle that improves visibility and interior aesthetics by appearing/disappearing mechanism of a button. The operation apparatus includes a panel, an operation module capable of moving, through an opening of the panel, between a first position and a second position spaced apart from each other in a front-back direction, a button placed on the operation module, a rotary link rotatably provided on an axis orthogonal to the front-back direction, a drive source for rotating the rotary link, and a cam mechanism having a guide path for inducing an angular motion of the rotary link and, thereby, moving the operation module to the first position or the second position.