Spring Clip Element for Vehicle HVAC Latching Noise Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle component operating units, such as those in heating/air conditioning systems, lack a design that allows for specific control over the latching noise feedback, which affects user experience and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A spring clip element with angled ends, mounted on a bearing element, creates a U-shaped configuration that produces a distinct 'click' sound as the operating element moves through detent positions, influenced by material pairing and surface shapes, and can be enhanced by resonance and vibration of bearing points for varied noise profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spring clip element with play mounting is used to generate latching noise, then audible feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical latching through the nose engaging with external teeth, generates audible feedback through controlled impact at bearing points, and maintains operational flexibility through play mounting. This merging of latching, noise generation, and mounting flexibility into one element resolves the contradiction by achieving complex functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip element is designed to generate its own latching noise through the inherent play in its mounting and the elastic deformation of its spring arms during operation. The element uses its own structural characteristics (angled ends, play mounting, bearing points) to produce the desired acoustic feedback without requiring separate noise generation mechanisms, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining controlled complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If material pairing and surface shapes are optimized for specific noise characteristics, then latching noise quality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material pairings and surface configurations specifically at the bearing points and bearing ends where impact occurs, rather than requiring uniform precision throughout the entire component. The nose and external teeth use standard latching geometries, while only the localized bearing surfaces are optimized for noise generation. This local quality approach allows noise customization without imposing high precision requirements on the entire manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring clip element is mounted with play at bearing points, then latching noise is improved, but latching reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip element is segmented into distinct functional zones: the nose for latching engagement with external teeth, the spring arms for elastic deformation and energy storage, and the bearing ends for controlled impact at bearing points. The play mounting is specifically applied only at the bearing points for noise generation, while the latching engagement at the nose maintains tight tolerances for reliable detection. This segmentation allows noise optimization without compromising latching reliability.
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 provides clear audible feedback during movement, enhancing user interaction and comfort by customizing the noise based on material and surface configurations, while maintaining effective locking of the operating element.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arms are elastic and the spring clip element is mounted with play at two bearing points of the bearing element
Implementation Method 2
the bearing end of the spring clip element arranged opposite to the direction of movement is prevented from moving further by the bearing point which surrounds it
Implementation Method 3
the impact noise also has an effect, among other things, on the extent to which the bearing element or the structural units of the operating unit arranged around the operating element form a resonance body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The control unit (10) for a vehicle component, in particular for a vehicle heating/air conditioning system, is provided with a movable control element (14) on which an external toothing (26) is arranged, and a bearing element (16) relative to which the control element (14) is movable. Furthermore, the control unit (10) has a spring clip element (38) arranged on the bearing element (16), which has a lug (42) that interacts with the external toothing (26) of the control element (14) and two spring arms (40) extending from it, the latter having angled bearing ends (36) facing away from the lug (42). The spring clip element (38) engages with its angled bearing ends (36) with clearance around two bearing points (32) formed on the bearing element (16).