Seat Switch Assembly Linear Actuation for Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat switch assemblies in vehicles suffer from defective connections due to abrasion and decreased elasticity over time, particularly in components like rotating parts, slider terminals, and contact point springs, leading to unreliable switching operations.
Innovation Solution
A seat switch assembly featuring a pressing plate with guides, a base with assembly holes, a seat switch housing with a through-hole, an actuation rod, a V-shaped contact pin, a terminal pin, and a return spring, where the terminal pin and contact pin are made from specific materials with controlled hardness and composition to enhance durability and prevent dislodgment, and the design minimizes contact resistance and maintains elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating part is used to sequentially connect switch terminals, then the switching function is achieved, but the connection becomes defective due to abrasion from repeated rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating part system with a push-type actuation system. Instead of rotating contacts that wear from friction, the invention uses a linearly moving actuator that pushes a contact pin to establish electrical connections. This substitution eliminates the abrasion problem inherent in rotational switching mechanisms while maintaining the sequential connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameter from rotational movement to linear reciprocating movement. The actuator moves linearly to push the contact pin, and the contact pin reciprocates linearly to make and break electrical contacts. This parameter change from rotation to linear motion eliminates wear from friction and extends the service life of the switching components.
2Reliability
If a slider movable terminal with coil spring is used, then the switching operation is enabled, but the connection becomes defective due to decreased elasticity of the coil spring over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the coil spring-based slider mechanism with a push-type actuation system using a dome-shaped pressing plate and return spring. The pressing plate is pushed downward by external force to actuate the switch, and the return spring provides the restoring force. This substitution eliminates the elasticity degradation problem of coil springs while maintaining reliable switching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the elastic element from a coil spring to a dome-shaped pressing plate with a return spring. The dome shape provides structural stability and the return spring maintains constant elastic force. This parameter change in the elastic mechanism prevents the elasticity degradation that occurs with prolonged use of coil springs.
3Device complexity
If a thin plate inversion spring is used, then the compact structure is achieved, but the spring does not properly act when used repeatedly for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring structure from a thin plate inversion spring to a dome-shaped pressing plate with a return spring. The return spring is designed with appropriate wire diameter and coil parameters to maintain elastic force over repeated operations. This parameter change in the spring design ensures reliable actuation while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the dome-shaped pressing plate (providing structural integrity) with the return spring (providing elastic restoring force). This composite design leverages the strengths of both components to achieve reliable repeated operation while maintaining compactness, overcoming the limitations of the thin plate inversion spring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are disposed around the driver's seat, then the convenience functions are provided, but the switches interfere with each other due to closely-related structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch assembly into modular components: a base body, a pressing plate with guides, and individual contact pins for different switching functions. Each contact pin can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows multiple switches to be arranged in a compact configuration without interference, as each module can be precisely positioned to avoid overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging contact pins at different heights and positions within the housing. The actuator moves vertically to push contact pins that extend horizontally to make contacts with different terminals. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple switching functions to be packed into a compact volume without structural interference.
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 enhanced durability and material quality of the seat switch assembly ensure reliable switching operations by preventing dislodgment and maintaining elasticity, reducing the risk of defective connections and improving long-term performance.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which is received in the lower portion of the actuation rod inside the through-hole of the seat switch housing
Data Source
AI summary
A seat switch assembly can maintain a reliable switching operation due to enhanced durability. A pressing plate has guides which are fastened to guide holes of a base. A seat switch housing is fastened to an assembly hole of the base. An actuation rod is received inside a through-hole of the seat switch housing, and moves in the top-bottom direction in response to a pressure from the pressing plate. A V-shaped contact pin is fixed to a fixing guide of the actuation rod. One portion of a terminal pin is buried inside the seat switch housing, and the other portion of the terminal pin is exposed to the outside. A return spring is received in the lower portion of the actuation rod. A cover closes the lower portion of the through-hole. The inner surfaces of the through-hole and the terminal pin are coplanar without a stepped portion.