Central Selector Knob Elevation Cam for Compact Reliable Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevation mechanisms for automotive central input selector knobs require a large volume, numerous components, and flexible parts, leading to low reliability and poor axial force handling.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical cam with two rails, a slider cylinder, and a motor with a gear system that moves the central input device between operation and storage positions, reducing component count and improving robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional elevation mechanism with multiple components is used, then the selector knob can be raised and retracted, but the volume required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated housing structure that contains the motor, gear system, and guiding mechanisms. The housing serves as both the structural framework and the guide for the selector knob's movement, eliminating the need for separate guiding bars and external mounting structures, thereby reducing overall volume and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevation mechanism employs a nested arrangement where the gear system is positioned within the housing, the selector knob is positioned within the gear system, and the motor is positioned within the housing. This nested configuration allows compact packaging of all components in a hierarchical manner, minimizing the total volume occupied by the elevation mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a conventional elevation mechanism with many components is used, then the selector knob can be raised and retracted, but the number of components is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor, gear train, and guiding structures into a single integrated housing unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and maintained, thereby reducing potential failure points and improving overall system reliability while maintaining the raise and retract functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the conventional mechanism. By using a direct gear-driven system within an integrated housing rather than multiple separate mechanisms, the design removes redundant parts that would otherwise contribute to complexity and potential reliability issues.
3Reliability
If flexible components are used in the elevation mechanism, then the mechanism can move the selector knob, but the reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs durable, rigid materials for the housing and gear components that are designed to withstand repeated use without degradation. The housing is constructed as a robust, permanent structure rather than using flexible or easily worn materials, ensuring long-term reliability and resistance to damage from axial forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevation mechanism utilizes composite construction with rigid housing materials and precise gear components that work together to provide both durability and smooth operation. The combination of rigid structural elements and precisely engineered moving parts creates a reliable system that can handle axial forces while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
4Strength
If a conventional elevation mechanism is used, then the selector knob can be raised and retracted, but the capability to bear axial forces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing functions into distinct structural elements within the housing, including reinforced gear teeth, structured guiding surfaces, and a rigid housing framework. Each segment is optimized to handle specific axial forces, distributing the mechanical loads throughout the structure rather than concentrating them in a single weak point, thereby improving axial force bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved and rounded features in the gear teeth and guiding surfaces that allow for smoother force distribution and reduced stress concentrations. The rounded profiles of the gears and the curved guiding paths within the housing enable the mechanism to better absorb and distribute axial forces, improving structural strength without requiring overly complex reinforcement.
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 reduces the device's volume and cost, enhances reliability, and improves axial force handling, addressing the limitations of conventional mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having an axis where a second gear is mounted, the second gear being configured and arranged to transmit movement to a first gear thereby causing the slider cylinder to move
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical cam having two cylindrical rails; a central input device mounted on a slider cylinder having two opposite ends of a pin that run in the two cylindrical rails to move the central input device between an operation position and a storage position
Data Source
AI summary
An elevation mechanism for a central input selector knob includes: a cylindrical cam having two cylindrical rails; a central input device mounted on a slider cylinder having two opposite ends of a pin that run in the two cylindrical rails to move the central input device between an operation position and a storage position; a cap that has two opposite guiding ribs configured to slide into rails of a main housing, the cap being attached to the main housing such that the slider cylinder is enclosed by the main housing and the cap; and a motor having an axis where a second gear is mounted, the second gear being configured and arranged to transmit movement to a first gear thereby causing the slider cylinder to move thereby moving the central input device between the operation position and the storage position.