RV Beam Switch Assembly Modular Lock Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam switch assemblies for recreational vehicles have a large space envelope and are prone to inoperability if the lock mechanism fails, as they are functionally interrelated with the switch mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A compact beam switch assembly design where the switch and lock mechanisms are modular and operate independently, with a housing containing a switch, a lock mechanism, and an input element that translates between positions to selectively move the switch and lock mechanisms in response to user input, allowing the switching function to remain operational even if the locking function fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch mechanism and lock mechanism are coaxially disposed and functionally interrelated, then the beam switch can be compactly designed, but the space envelope becomes relatively large and the switch mechanism becomes inoperable if the lock mechanism fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam switch assembly into functionally independent modules: a switch mechanism and a lock mechanism. These mechanisms are separated such that the lock mechanism is disposed offset from the switch mechanism rather than coaxially, allowing independent operation and failure isolation while maintaining a compact overall structure through shared housing and common input element.
Solution Approach 2:
The input element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it actuates both the switch mechanism and the lock mechanism through a single user action. This multi-functionality allows compact design without requiring separate controls for switching and locking, reducing the overall space envelope while maintaining operational independence of the two mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the lock mechanism is disposed offset from the switch mechanism, then the mechanisms can operate independently, but the space envelope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests both the switch mechanism and the offset lock mechanism within a single integrated housing. The lock mechanism is positioned within the housing offset from the switch mechanism, and both mechanisms share common structural elements and the same input element, allowing functional independence while maintaining a compact overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the switch mechanism and lock mechanism into a single integrated assembly with a shared housing and common input element. This merging allows the mechanisms to be disposed offset for functional independence while sharing space-efficient common components, reducing the total space envelope compared to completely separate designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly (108) includes a housing (202), a switch (204), a lock mechanism (206), and an input element (208). The switch (204) is disposed within the housing (202) and configured to translate, along a first axis (212), between a first switch position and a second switch position. The lock mechanism (206) is disposed within the housing (202) and configured to translate, along a second axis (216) that is parallel to the first axis (212), between an unlock position and a lock position. The input element (208) is coupled to the switch (204) and the lock mechanism (206) and is movable relative to the housing (202). The input element (208) is adapted to receive an input force and is configured, upon receipt thereof to selectively and simultaneously move the switch (204) and the lock mechanism (206) between the first and second switch positions and the unlock and lock positions, respectively.