Steering Column Switch Arm Integrating Contact and Trigger Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column switch devices require separate printed circuit boards for electronic components due to the spatial separation of the electrical contact element and the control device, leading to inefficient use of installation space.
Innovation Solution
The steering column switch device integrates both the electrical contact element and the triggering element on a common arm, allowing a single printed circuit board to carry both components, thereby eliminating the need for additional circuit boards and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical contact element and control device are arranged on separate printed circuit boards, then the spatial separation is achieved, but the installation space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact element and control device onto a single printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate circuit boards. This merging of previously separated components directly reduces the installation space while maintaining functional reliability, resolving the technical contradiction between spatial separation and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The common arm structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the electrical contact element, guides the triggering element of the resetting device, and enables both switching and resetting operations. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what previously required separate circuit boards and mechanisms, thereby saving installation space.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate printed circuit boards are used for electrical components, then component isolation is achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circuit boards into a single integrated printed circuit board that houses both the electrical contact element and control device. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized PCB design practices.
3Area of stationary object
If the triggering element is arranged on the same side as the electrical contact element, then space is utilized, but component interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the triggering element on the opposite side of the arm from the electrical contact element, utilizing the three-dimensional space available in the switch device structure. This spatial arrangement in different dimensions allows both components to coexist on the same arm without interference, achieving both compact space utilization and reliable component operation.
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 reduces the number of components and saves installation space, resulting in a more compact and reliable steering column switch device with improved driving comfort by minimizing rattling noises during lever reset.
Implementation Method 1
The triggering element is slidably mounted on the arm in a sliding direction perpendicular to the pivot axis and is prestressed in the sliding direction by means of a spring element
Implementation Method 2
If the release element is carried along when the steering wheel is turned, the release element presses the steering column switch back into its original position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~10b
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column switch device (1) for a motor vehicle, having a driver part (7) to which an activation lever (2) can be connected and which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivoting axis (11) between a home position and an activation position, wherein the driver part (7) has an arm (20) which extends perpendicularly with respect to the pivoting axis (11), in particular in the direction of a steering spindle, and protrudes from a base body (16) of the driver part (7), an electric contact element (8) which can be electrically coupled to a further contact element in the activation position being arranged on said arm (20), and having a resetting device (6) with a triggering element (10) which is designed to reset the driver part (7) and as a result the activation lever (2) from the activation position into the home position, wherein the trigger element (10) is arranged on a side of the arm (20) lying opposite the electrical contact element (8).