Integrated Shift Lever Switch Unit for Orthogonal Movement Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch units for detecting shift lever movements in vehicles require multiple switches and a larger housing due to the need for separate switches for mode switching, up-shift, and down-shift operations, leading to increased complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A switch unit with two movable bodies and substrates that detect movement in orthogonal directions, using a single shift detecting switch for up-down operations and a single mode switching switch, integrated into a compact design with shared terminals, reducing the number of parts and housing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three separate switches are used for mode switching, up-shift, and down-shift operations, then the detection functionality is complete, but the number of parts increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions into a single integrated switch unit. Specifically, it merges the mode switching switch, up-shift switch, and down-shift switch into one compact device with shared components including a common housing, shared terminal unit, and integrated movable body structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining complete detection functionality for all three operations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects mode switching operations, up-shift operations, and down-shift operations within a single device. The shared terminal unit and common housing structure enable this multi-functionality, allowing one switch unit to replace what would traditionally require three separate switches
2Reliability
If three separate switches are stored within individual cases, then each switch is protected, but the housing size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate protective cases into a single common housing structure. This unified housing accommodates all three switch operations (mode switching, up-shift, down-shift) within one protected enclosure, eliminating the need for three separate cases while maintaining protective functionality for all switch components
Solution Approach 2:
The switch unit employs a nested structure where the movable bodies and detecting units for all three operations are arranged within a single housing space. The compact arrangement allows the functional elements to be nested efficiently, reducing the overall housing volume while ensuring each component remains protected and accessible
3Reliability
If lead wires are connected to three separate switches and soldered to three separate terminals, then the electrical connections are established, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate terminal units into a single integrated terminal structure. This unified terminal unit provides all necessary electrical connection points for the three switch operations in one location, eliminating the need for three separate terminal assemblies and reducing the overall number of parts while maintaining reliable electrical connections
Data Source
AI summary
A switch unit for detecting movement of a target object in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction includes a first movable body arranged to move in the first direction together with the movement of the target object in the first direction, a first substrate provided with a first detecting unit for detecting a position of the first movable body in the first direction, a second movable body arranged to move in the second direction together with the movement of the target object in the second direction, and a second substrate provided with a second detecting unit for detecting a position of the second movable body in the second direction.