Rotary Switch Assembly for Pivotable Vehicle Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ON/OFF switches for pivotable display screens in motor vehicles are complex and expensive due to their design, which includes multiple parts and intricate mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified switch arrangement where a rotatable switch is mounted directly to the pivotable hinge shaft, with a rotor and contactor system that bridges electrical contacts at specific rotational angles to control the display screen's power state, reducing the number of parts and integrating all components on a common axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring loaded plunger with multiple switches is used to control ON/OFF, then the display screen can be activated and deactivated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions (ON and OFF control) into a single integrated rotary switch assembly. The rotor with bridging contacts integrates what would traditionally require separate plunger and switch components, reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining reliable ON/OFF functionality through rotational position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary switch assembly serves multiple functions: it detects rotational position, controls power activation, and provides mechanical coupling between the display screen and control system. The single rotor structure performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, achieving multi-functionality that reduces complexity.
2Reliability
If a spring loaded plunger with multiple switches is used to control ON/OFF, then the display screen can be activated and deactivated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions (ON and OFF control) into a single integrated rotary switch assembly. The rotor with bridging contacts integrates what would traditionally require separate plunger and switch components, reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining reliable ON/OFF functionality through rotational position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified rotor design with bridging contacts that replicates the switching function of more complex plunger mechanisms. By using a rotary contact system instead of spring-loaded plungers, the design achieves the same control functionality with fewer manufacturing steps and lower material costs.
3Ease of operation
If multiple parts are used in the switch mechanism, then the switch can perform ON/OFF control, but the assembly cost and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions (ON and OFF control) into a single integrated rotary switch assembly. The rotor with bridging contacts integrates what would traditionally require separate plunger and switch components, reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining reliable ON/OFF functionality through rotational position detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An ON/OFF switch arrangement is for a display screen pivotably mounted within a motor vehicle. The arrangement includes a mounting bracket retaining the display screen and pivotably attached to the motor vehicle such that the mounting bracket may be pivoted about an axis. A switch assembly includes a rotor attached to the mounting bracket. A contactor is attached to the rotor. A base is attached to the motor vehicle such that the rotor and the contactor rotate about the axis relative to the base when the mounting bracket is pivoted. The base has two spaced apart electrical contacts. The contactor electrically interconnects the two contacts within a first range of rotational positions of the rotor, and the contactor does not interconnect the two contacts within a second range of rotational positions of the rotor.