Stalk Switch Releasing Mechanism for Compact Neutral Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stalk switch assemblies in automotive vehicles are complex, costly, and difficult to manufacture and assemble, lacking a simple and efficient controllable releasing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A stalk switch assembly with a controllable releasing mechanism featuring a guiding member, yoke, levers, releasing member, and controllable actuator, allowing the activating rod to be unlocked from locked positions and returned to a neutral position using a kinematic chain and electromagnetic actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing stalk switch assemblies use complex releasing mechanisms, then the control functionality is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The releasing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a releasing member with first and second ends, a activating rod with third and fourth ends, and a support structure with guide surfaces. Each segment performs a specific function (releasing, activating, guiding) which simplifies the overall design while maintaining reliability through modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the releasing member and the activating rod. It provides guide surfaces that mediate the interaction between these components, ensuring controlled movement and precise positioning without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing stalk switch assemblies use traditional releasing mechanisms, then the rod positioning is maintained, but the manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, defines guide surfaces for controlled movement, and positions the activating rod relative to the releasing member. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mounting base, provides guiding surfaces for both the releasing member and activating rod, and maintains the spatial relationship between components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while easing manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the releasing mechanism uses multiple components, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces on the support structure provide localized precision control at critical interaction points between components. The first and second guide surfaces specifically control the movement of the releasing member, while the third and fourth guide surfaces control the activating rod, ensuring precise positioning only where needed rather than throughout the entire mechanism.
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 a compact, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble switch assembly with enhanced control over the activating rod's position, facilitating efficient operation and assembly without redesigning existing components.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable actuator provided with a slidable stem connected with said releasing member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stalk switch assembly (1) with a controllable releasing mechanism (5), in particular for controlling turn-signal lights of an automotive vehicle, comprising a support (2), an activating rod (3) disposed pivotably about a first axis (A) within the support (2) and mechanically coupled with an electric signal device, and a self-returning mechanism (4) defining neutral position (46) and at least two locked positions (45) of the activating rod (3). Said controllable releasing mechanism (5) comprises a guiding member (51) defined by the activating rod (3) within the support (2); a yoke (53) disposed slidably within said guiding member (51) along a second axis (B) corresponding to the axis of the activating rod (3) passing through the first axis (A); two levers (52) disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A) between said guiding member (51) and said yoke (53), inclined to each other and having first ends (521) distal to each other, which are slidably disposed within said guiding member (51), and second ends (522) adjacent to each other, which are disposed within said yoke (53); a releasing member (54) disposed slidably within the support (2) along a third axis (C), corresponding to said second axis (B) in neutral position of the activating rod (3), and adjoining said yoke (53); a controllable actuator (55) provided with a stem (551) connected with said releasing member (54); and two retaining surfaces (57) defined by the support (2) to provide abutment for said first ends of said levers (52) in the locked positions of the activating rod (3). This creates an effective kinematic chain yielding a relatively long displacement of the first (521) end of the unlocking lever (52) with regard to a relatively short stroke of the actuator stem (551) upon activation.