Steering Wheel Remote Control Layered PCB Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number and types of buttons on steering wheel remote controls lead to interference between tact switches, limiting the degree of freedom in designing the control system.
Innovation Solution
A layered structure with multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) spaced apart vertically, where each button is associated with a specific switch terminal, and a pusher mechanism ensures that switch terminals partially overlap, allowing for improved design flexibility by separating the switch terminal functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tact switches are arranged on a single PCB to support increasing number and types of buttons, then the button functionality is improved, but interference between tact switches occurs limiting design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single PCB into multiple separate PCBs (first PCB, second PCB, etc.), each carrying specific switch terminals. This segmentation isolates the tact switches physically, preventing interference while maintaining support for multiple button types and functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of switch terminals on a single PCB plane to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement using multiple PCBs spaced apart in the vertical direction. This dimensional change allows switch terminals to be positioned without spatial interference.
2Device complexity
If switch terminals are arranged to partially overlap when viewed from top to improve space utilization, then design flexibility is improved, but switch terminal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows switch terminals to overlap in the planar view by utilizing the vertical dimension - placing corresponding buttons and switch terminals on different PCBs at different heights. This enables space-efficient overlapping arrangement without causing electrical or mechanical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a nested hierarchical structure where multiple PCBs are stacked vertically, with buttons arranged on top surfaces and corresponding switch terminals on underlying PCBs. The overlapping switch terminals are nested in the vertical stack, allowing compact design without interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PCBs are spaced apart vertically to prevent switch terminal interference, then design freedom is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pushers as intermediary components that bridge the gap between buttons on one PCB and switch terminals on another PCB. These pushers transmit actuation force across the vertical spacing, enabling functional connection while maintaining the beneficial vertical separation for preventing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining multiple PCBs, buttons, pushers, and mounting components into an integrated assembly. This composite construction provides both the vertical separation needed for design freedom and the mechanical connectivity required for structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel remote control for a vehicle includes: a first button and a second button arranged on a top surface of the remote control and configured to move downward when being pressed; and a first printed circuit board (PCB) and a second PCB each of which arranged under the first button and the second button. The first PCB comprises a first switch terminal configured to be pressed downward to perform a first function when the first button moves downward, and the second PCB comprises a second switch terminal configured to be pressed downward to perform a second function when the second button moves downward. The first PCB and the second PCB are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.