Vehicle Seat Switch With Guide Groove And Lever Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat adjustment switches in motor vehicles require multiple switches for various adjustments, leading to user confusion due to limited directional correspondence and unreliable return mechanisms, especially with flexible mounting systems that allow only small movements and lose elasticity over time.
Innovation Solution
A switch design that allows for three or more directions of movement by combining axial and pivoting movements through a lever arm and transmission element, with locking members to ensure precise assignment of actuation to desired seat adjustments, using a guide groove and compression springs for reliable return and non-positive connections to block unwanted movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are provided for different seat adjustment directions, then the seat can be adjusted in multiple directions, but the operation becomes confusing and leads to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
A single switch housing integrates multiple switching elements (first, second, third switching elements) that control different seat adjustment functions (seat position, backrest inclination, seat height). This multi-functional design allows one switch to perform what previously required multiple separate switches, reducing operational confusion while maintaining full adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is divided into distinct switching elements within a unified housing, each responsible for specific adjustment directions. The segmented layout of pushbuttons and switching elements provides clear visual and tactile differentiation, allowing users to intuitively identify the function of each element without confusion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switching element is flexibly mounted to allow small movements, then the mounting is flexible, but the movement range is limited and reliable return is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane (23) provides flexible mounting that allows the switching element to move dynamically in multiple directions (front-rear, left-right, upward) while maintaining electrical connection. The membrane's elastic properties enable reliable return to the initial position after actuation, combining flexibility with reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's elastic properties change under applied force, allowing the switching element to deflect to different positions. When the force is released, the membrane's elasticity returns the element to its initial position, ensuring reliable reset without manual intervention
3Device complexity
If the switching element can only be pressed in two positions, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide three or more different directions of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is extended from simple forward-backward movement to three-dimensional movement capability, including front-rear, left-right, and upward directions. This multi-dimensional actuation space allows a single switch to provide three or more different movement directions without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single switching element with multiple pushbuttons serves multiple adjustment functions (seat position, backrest inclination, seat height), replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate switches. This multi-functional design maintains structural simplicity while providing comprehensive adjustment capability
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
Enables intuitive and precise adjustment of vehicle seat positions without trial and error, ensuring each actuation corresponds to the intended direction, improving user experience and reducing confusion by providing clear and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission element (16), which is displaceable in alignment with the longitudinal axis in the guide groove (11), in particular can be inserted in a guided manner into the guide groove (11). A compression spring (15) is provided, by means of which the transmission element (16) can be supported in the longitudinal direction in the guide groove (11)
Implementation Method 2
an actuating plate (18), which can be deflected about a pivot joint (20) by means of a lever arm (17)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The switch (1) has a guide groove (11) aligned in a direction of a switching element (4). The groove is included in a support plate (3), and a transmission element (16) is inserted into the guide groove. The transmission element is linearly and adjustably held in the guide groove in a limited manner. A balance arm (17) is connected with the transmission element and is pivoted relative to the transmission element. An actuating plate (18) is pivotably attached to the arm, and a pin (19) clamping a cover (2) is formed on the plate. The switching element is locked on the pin.