Rotary Switch Cancelling Mechanism With Electromagnetic Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary switch assemblies for automotive turn-signal lights are not compact, cost-efficient, and simple to manufacture and assemble, particularly in steering wheel column integrated modules, due to complex mechanisms and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotary switch assembly with a controllable cancelling mechanism featuring an activating rod, an electromagnetic actuator, and a self-returning mechanism using a spring plunger and cam, which allows for compact preassembly and easy manufacturing, enabling the assembly to be mechanically fixed to the steering wheel column and electrically connected to vehicle wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex electromagnetic actuator mechanism is used for cancelling turn signal, then the turn signal control reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cancelling mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: an electromagnetic actuator that generates linear motion, an unlocking lever that converts linear motion to rotational motion, and a locking slider that engages/disengages the activating slider. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the electromagnetic actuator and the locking slider. It translates the linear displacement of the actuator's slidable rod into rotational motion that moves the locking slider, thereby indirectly controlling the engagement state without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the actuator and slider.
2Ease of manufacture
If a compact preassembled unit is created, then the ease of assembly and manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the space for component arrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The activating slider, locking slider, and unlocking lever are arranged in a nested configuration within the cancelling assembly housing. The unlocking lever rotates about an axis that allows it to move the locking slider along a groove, while the activating slider moves along a different groove. This nested arrangement maximizes component density within the limited housing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes multiple spatial dimensions for component arrangement: the activating slider moves along a groove in one dimension, the locking slider moves along a groove in another dimension, and the unlocking lever rotates about an axis perpendicular to both sliding directions. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization within the compact housing.
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 provides a compact, cost-efficient, and simple-to-assemble rotary switch assembly that effectively controls turn-signal lights, allowing for easy activation and cancellation of turn signals while ensuring the activating rod returns to a neutral position, enhancing operational reliability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
Applying voltage to the electromagnet causes the displacement of its slidable rod, rotation of the unlocking lever
Implementation Method 2
a self-returning mechanism defining the neutral position of the activating rod... said self-returning mechanism comprises a spring plunger cooperating with the activating rod and biasing a cam
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotary switch assembly (1) with a controllable cancelling mechanism, in particular for controlling turn-signal lights of an automotive vehicle, comprising a support (2), an activating rod (3) disposed rotationally, about an axis (A) within the support (2) and mechanically coupled with an electric signal device, and a self-returning mechanism (4) defining the neutral position of the activating rod (3). In order to simplify the construction of the controllable cancelling mechanism, the switch assembly (1) further comprises an activating slider (5), slidable along an axis (B) in a response to an angular movement of the activating rod (3) and provided with at least one engaging projection (51) or recess; a locking slider (6), slidable along an axis (C) substantially perpendicular to said sliding axis (B) of said activating slider (5), and biased towards said activating slider (5); at least one locking projection (61) or recess for engaging said engaging projection (51) or recess of said activating slider (5) to define locked position of the activating rod (3); an unlocking lever (7) disposed rotationally about an axis (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by said sliding axis (B) of said activating slider (5) and said sliding axis (C) of said locking slider (6) and rotationally connected with said locking slider (6); and an electromagnetic actuator (8) having a slidable rod (81) rotationally connected with said unlocking lever (7) to release engagement of said at least one locking projection (61) with said at least one engaging projection (51) of said activating slider (5).