Sunroof Switch Assembly with Hinge-Protected Push Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunroof switches can be inadvertently activated, potentially closing the sunroof and causing injury to individuals, especially children, when their body parts extend through the opening.
Innovation Solution
A sunroof switch assembly featuring a push switch sandwiched between first and second tilting switches, with hinge parts that prevent inadvertent closure by ensuring the push switch is not pushed beyond a certain height, thus preventing accidental activation by large or rounded objects like elbows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sunroof switch with a knob or seesaw structure is used, then the sunroof can be easily opened and closed, but it can be inadvertently activated by body parts like children's elbows causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a height dimension constraint to the switch activation mechanism. The push switch is positioned at a specific height below the hinge parts, creating a vertical dimension barrier that prevents inadvertent activation by elbows while maintaining operational accessibility. This dimensional approach transforms a 2D switch interface into a 3D spatial control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge parts serve as an intermediary protective element between the push switch and potential inadvertent activators. By positioning the push switch below the hinge parts and ensuring the projecting height is less than the distance to the contact, the hinge parts act as a physical mediator that blocks harmful activation while allowing intentional operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the push switch is positioned to prevent inadvertent activation, then safety is improved, but the switch may become harder to reach or operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the projecting height of the push switch and its vertical position relative to the hinge parts. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters, the design achieves a balance where the switch is positioned low enough to prevent elbow activation but remains accessible for intentional operation by users.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple switch structure is used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but safety against inadvertent activation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch assembly into distinct functional components: the push switch, the hinge parts, and the contact mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the push switch for safety positioning, the hinge parts for protective mediation, and the contact for electrical function - while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sunroof switch assembly for a vehicle includes a switch housing, a push switch, a first tilting switch, and a second tilting switch. The switch housing is installed in a cabin of the vehicle and has a plurality of contacts for respective operations of a sunroof. The push switch is mounted to the switch housing. The first tilting switch is mounted to the switch housing by the medium of a first hinge part, which is located adjacent to one side of the push switch. The second tilting switch is mounted to the switch housing by the medium of a second hinge part, which is located adjacent to the other side of the push switch.