Steering Switch Knob Arrangement on Spoke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering switch devices face challenges in arranging multiple operating knobs without impairing operability, as miniaturization can lead to impaired finger control and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
The device configures first and second operating knobs on the spoke portion of a steering wheel, with the first knob capable of pressing operations and the second knob capable of tilting operations, supported by a common support member to reduce finger movement and prevent simultaneous operation, using a circuit board and rubber sheet configuration for reliable switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If operating knobs are miniaturized to arrange more of them, then the quantity of operating knobs increases, but operability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging operating knobs not only on the front surface but also on the lateral surface of the steering wheel spoke. This spatial redistribution allows more operating knobs to be arranged without reducing their size, thereby maintaining finger control operability while increasing the total quantity of operating knobs available to the driver.
2Quantity of substance
If operating knobs are arranged densely, then the quantity of operating knobs increases, but operability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lateral surface dimension of the steering wheel spoke to arrange additional operating knobs. This approach distributes the operating knobs across multiple surfaces (front and lateral) rather than concentrating them densely on a single surface, thereby increasing the total number of operating knobs while preserving adequate spacing and operability for each knob.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating knobs are arranged on the spoke portion, then functionality increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple types of operating knobs (pressing operation and tilting operation) into a single steering wheel spoke structure. This allows the steering wheel to control various electronic devices with different operation modes, enhancing functionality while maintaining a unified and relatively simple overall structure rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.
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 allows for the arrangement of multiple operating knobs without compromising operability, enhancing design and manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the bulging portion of the rubber sheet is thrust and elastically goes through buckling distortion, which causes the movable contact to come into contact with the fixed contact
Implementation Method 2
the bulging portion of the rubber sheet is thrust and elastically goes through buckling distortion
Implementation Method 3
the bulging portion of the rubber switch automatically returns to its original shape due to its elasticity
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering switch device (2) mounted on a spoke portion (1b) of a steering wheel (1) allows a first operating knob (5) which can operate to press an operating surface (5a) upward obliquely of the front side to be adjacent to a second operating knob (6) which can operate to tilt an operating surface (6a) approximately toward the rear of a vehicle. The first and second operating knobs (5 and 6) are arranged such that the operating surface (5a) and the operating surface (6a) of each other are smoothly continuous due to the presence of a minute gap (G1), and are continuous so as to form a surface following the surface entirely from an upper surface (surface opposing a driver) up to a lateral surface (front side surface when viewed from the driver) of the steering wheel (1).