Steering Column Switch Resetting Device Parallel Spring Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resetting devices for steering column switches are not compact due to the arrangement of the overshift spring and spring element in series, which also complicates mechanical tolerance compensation.
Innovation Solution
The overshift spring and spring element are arranged parallel to each other, with the overshift spring supported on both the latching part and the intermediate piece, allowing the intermediate piece to move relative to the actuating lever in case of overshifting, and a sliding element is used to apply spring force in both the sliding and pivot directions, reducing the device's length and improving compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the overshift spring and spring element are arranged in series, then the resetting device can provide sufficient force for resetting and overshift protection, but the device becomes less compact and mechanical tolerance compensation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a series arrangement (one-dimensional linear configuration) to a parallel arrangement (two-dimensional spatial configuration) of the overshift spring and spring element. This dimensional change allows both springs to be positioned side-by-side rather than end-to-end, significantly reducing the overall length of the resetting device while maintaining the necessary mechanical functions and improving tolerance compensation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the overshift spring and spring element into a shared spatial arrangement where both springs operate simultaneously in parallel. This merging of spatial occupation allows the resetting device to achieve compactness while maintaining both the resetting force (from the spring element) and the overshift protection (from the overshift spring) functions.
2Device complexity
If the overshift spring and spring element are arranged in series, then the resetting function is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to the large number of components and their arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the overshift spring and spring element in parallel rather than in series, the patent reduces the number of connection points and intermediate components needed. This dimensional reconfiguration simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining both resetting and overshift protection functions, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the triggering element is rigidly connected to the actuating lever, then the resetting action is direct and effective, but the triggering element or intermediate piece may be destroyed during overshifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the overshift spring as a protective mechanism that activates beforehand during excessive force events. When overshifting occurs, the overshift spring yields or compresses, providing a cushioning effect that absorbs excess energy and prevents the triggering element or intermediate piece from being destroyed, while still allowing effective resetting during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The overshift spring acts as an intermediary element between the triggering element and the actuating lever system. During normal resetting operations, it remains engaged and facilitates the resetting action. During overshifting events, it serves as a protective mediator that absorbs excessive forces, preventing direct transmission of destructive loads to the triggering element.
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 arrangement results in a more compact design that simplifies mechanical tolerance compensation and prevents damage to the triggering element during overshifting, while also reducing rattling noises and improving driving comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A spring element is provided for generating a spring force acting parallel to the sliding direction, with which the triggering element is arranged in a prestressed manner on the intermediate piece
Implementation Method 2
The restoring device also has an overshift safety device with at least one overshift spring which, in the event of an overshift, enables the intermediate piece to move relative to the actuating lever and thus prevents the triggering element from being destroyed
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~10b
AI summary
The invention relates to a resetting device (6) for a steering column switch system (1) of a motor vehicle, with a triggering element (10) by means of which an actuating lever (2) of the steering column switch system (1) can be brought out of an actuating position into a starting position, with an intermediate piece (22) on which the triggering element (10) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (35) between an inoperative position and a triggering position, in which the actuating lever (2) can be brought into the starting position, wherein the triggering element (10) on the intermediate piece (22) is also mounted so as to be displaceable in a sliding direction (28) perpendicular to the pivot axis (35), with a spring element (27) for producing a spring force which acts parallel to the sliding direction (28) and with which the triggering element (10) is arranged on the intermediate piece (22) in a prestressed manner, and with a transition-safeguarding system (32) having at least one transition spring (33, 34) which, in the event of a transition, enables a movement of the intermediate piece (22) relative to the actuating lever (2), wherein the at least one transition spring (33, 34) and the spring element (27) are arranged next to each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (28).