Steering Column Switch Layout With Single-Sensor Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column switches for motor vehicles are complex and bulky due to the need for multiple magnet sensors and systems, which complicates installation and compromises system robustness.
Innovation Solution
A compact magnetic switching system is designed where the magnet is fixedly connected to a slide that is linearly displaceable, allowing the magnet to pivot with the switch piece, thus eliminating the need for multiple magnet sensors and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple magnet sensors are used to detect switch lever positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnet sensors into a single magnet sensor that detects the position of a single magnet attached to the switch lever. This merging approach maintains measurement precision by using one sensor to track the magnet's position across different switch lever angles, thereby reducing device complexity and the number of components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnet sensor serves multiple functions by detecting the position of the switch lever at various angles through tracking the magnet's movement. The magnet and sensor combination provides universal position detection capability across all switch lever positions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sensors for each position.
2Area of stationary object
If magnet sensors are situated behind the detent cam, then all components can be accommodated in limited installation space, but the installed length of the steering column switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the magnet and magnet sensor assembly to be arranged laterally adjacent to the detent cam rather than behind it, utilizing the lateral dimension of the available space. This dimensional reconfiguration allows all components to fit within the limited installation footprint while maintaining a compact installed length, as the magnet sensor system no longer extends the length behind the cam.
3Device complexity
If the magnet is rigidly connected to the switch lever, then the magnetic switching system is simplified, but the system becomes more sensitive to positional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet holder as an intermediary component between the switch lever and the magnet. This holder provides a stable mounting position for the magnet while allowing for controlled positioning adjustments, thereby simplifying the overall magnetic switching system structure while reducing sensitivity to positional variations through the stabilizing effect of the holder.
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 proposed solution results in a more compact and robust magnetic switching system that minimizes interference with other components, providing additional degrees of freedom in positioning and improving system evaluation quality.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic switching system is therefore provided for recognizing the set position of the switch lever... at least one magnet and at least one magnet sensor that are positionable relative to one another via movements of the switch lever
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column switch includes a switch lever, a switch piece, a slide, a magnet, and a magnet sensor. The switch lever is pivotable in perpendicular directions. The switch piece is pivotable about the first axis. The switch lever has an end piece pivotably mounted in the switch piece so that the switch lever is pivotable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The end piece bears a latching sleeve that is engageable into a detent cam at different positions. The slide is mounted on the switch piece so that the slide is linearly displaceable parallel to the first axis and follows switch lever movement about the second axis. The magnet and the magnet sensor are positionable relative to one another via switch lever movements. The magnet is connected to the slide and swivels with the switch piece as the switch piece swivels about the first axis.