Steering Column Switch With Magnetic Field Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column switches lack additional actuation options and reliable switching signals while maintaining a simple structure, limiting their functionality and durability.
Innovation Solution
The design allows the operating section and additional magnet to move relative to the axis of rotation in radial and axial directions, using a stationary additional magnetic field sensor to detect rotational positions, enabling multiple actuation options with a minimal number of sensors and ensuring reliable detection without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple magnets and sensors are used to detect pivoting and rotational positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating section serves multiple functions: it can pivot to control functions and rotate to control other functions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate control mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection precision through the magnetic field sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pivoting detection and rotational detection into a single integrated system using one magnetic field sensor that can detect both types of motion. The operating section integrates both pivoting and rotation capabilities, merging multiple control functions into one component assembly
2Reliability
If contact-based switching mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional contact-based mechanical switching mechanisms with a magnetic field sensing system. The magnetic field sensor detects changes in magnetic field caused by the movement of magnets attached to the operating section, eliminating the need for physical contact and wear-prone mechanical switches while maintaining reliable signal generation
3Ease of manufacture
If a stationary magnetic field sensor is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a stationary magnetic field sensor in combination with moving magnets to create a dynamic detection system. The magnets are attached to the operating section and move with it, creating a dynamic magnetic field that the stationary sensor can detect. This allows the sensor to remain fixed (easy manufacturing) while the system adapts to different positions and orientations (maintained versatility)
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
This configuration provides a robust and efficient steering column switch with enhanced actuation capabilities, including interval switching for windshield wipers, using only two magnetic field sensors to detect pivoting and rotational positions, ensuring a wear-resistant and reliable arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field sensor is able to detect the changing magnetic field caused by the movement of the permanent magnet in three dimensions
Implementation Method 2
the additional magnet which interacts with an additional magnetic field sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering-column switch (2) for motor vehicles, with an operating lever (4) which is pivotable about at least one pivot axis (26, 36), with a magnet (82) which can be pivoted by the operating lever (4) and interacts with a positionally fixed magnetic field sensor (50), wherein the magnetic field sensor (50) is designed in such a manner that the pivoted position of the magnet (82) with respect to the magnetic field sensor (50) and/or different distances of the magnet (82) therefrom can be determined, wherein the operating lever (4) has an operating section (16) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (18) relative to the operating lever (4) and is coupled in terms of movement via coupling means (70) to an additional magnet (72) which interacts with at least one positionally fixed additional magnetic field sensor (52), wherein the coupling means are designed in such a manner that the operating section (16) and the additional magnet (72) are rotationally coupled to each other and are movable in the radial and/or axial direction with respect to each other relative to the axis of rotation (18).