Steering Column Switch Layout for Compact Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column switches face challenges in reducing installation space while maintaining good haptics and accommodating smaller actuation angles, as increasing the distance for improved haptics requires more space, which is not available.
Innovation Solution
A steering column switch design featuring a spring-loaded locking pin accommodated in a locking pin sleeve fixedly connected to the actuating lever arm and a switch gate fixedly connected to a support part, allowing pivotability about two perpendicular axes via a cardan joint, reducing the need for additional installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distance between the switch gate and the lever pivot is increased to improve haptics, then the haptic feedback quality is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is nested within the locking pin sleeve, which is fixedly connected to the actuating lever arm. The switch gate is nested within the support part structure. This nesting arrangement allows the components to occupy overlapping or closely packed spatial volumes, achieving the required component distances for good haptics without proportionally increasing the overall installation space envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by fixing the locking pin sleeve to the actuating lever arm at a specific distance from the pivot axis, and positioning the switch gate on the support part affixed to the housing. This multi-dimensional positioning allows optimization of haptic feedback through adequate component separation while maintaining compact overall footprint by exploiting available space in multiple directions rather than simply increasing linear dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the actuation angle is reduced to save space, then the installation space is reduced, but the haptic feedback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the locking pin within the locking pin sleeve and positioning the switch gate within the support part structure, the patent achieves compact component packaging that reduces the overall actuation angle and installation space while maintaining adequate functional distances between critical components for acceptable haptic feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions like driver observation cameras or sensors are added, then the vehicle safety and functionality are improved, but the available installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of locking pin within locking pin sleeve and switch gate within support part creates a compact sub-assembly that minimizes the space occupied by the steering column switch mechanism, thereby freeing up installation space within the steering column housing for additional functions such as driver observation cameras or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the steering column switch into distinct modular components (actuating lever arm, locking pin sleeve, support part, switch gate) that can be independently positioned and optimized. This segmentation allows efficient space utilization and creates opportunities for integrating additional functional elements in the available spaces between or around these modular components.
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 design achieves reduced installation space requirements without compromising haptic feedback, enabling smaller actuation angles and accommodating additional vehicle features like driver observation cameras or sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded locking pin that are situated inside the actuating lever arm... The restoring force is effected or brought about by the locking pin
Implementation Method 2
Pivotability of the steering column switch about two mutually perpendicular axes is made possible by the fact that the bearing of the switch lever on the steering column switch housing takes place by means of a cardan joint
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column switch for a motor vehicle includes a steering column switch housing, a switch lever, a switch gate, a spring-loaded locking pin, a locking pin sleeve, and a support part. The switch lever is pivotably mounted on the housing. The switch lever is a one-armed lever having an actuating lever arm that is pivotable against a restoring force from a stable neutral position into functional positions. A switch function is enabled upon reaching each functional position. The switch gate and the spring-loaded locking pin are inside the actuating lever arm. The spring-loaded locking pin is guided in the switch gate and brings about the restoring force. The locking pin sleeve is fixedly connected to the actuating lever arm. The support part is affixed to the housing. The spring-loaded locking pin is accommodated in the locking pin sleeve and the switch gate is fixedly connected to the support part.