Switch Assembly Modular Adapter for Installation Variants
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch arrangements for vehicles require different types of switches for various installation options, leading to high manufacturing and storage costs due to the need for multiple variants.
Innovation Solution
A switch arrangement with a functional part and adapter components, including a cover frame and base part, which can be combined to accommodate different installation scenarios without requiring separate switches, using the cover frame for flush mounting and the base part for routing the cable outlet laterally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of switches are provided for different installation options (surface-mounted and built-in versions), then the switch can be adapted to various installation scenarios, but the manufacturing and storage costs increase due to multiple variants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single functional part that can serve multiple installation purposes through different combinations with cover frames and base parts. The functional part includes a housing with front and rear cable outlets, a switching element, and connecting cables, which can be configured for both surface-mounted and built-in installations using universal adapter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the switch assembly into three independent modules: the functional part (with switching element and cables), cover frames (for flush mounting), and base parts (for cable routing). This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured separately and combined in different configurations, reducing the need for multiple complete switch variants.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single version of the functional part is used for all installation options, then manufacturing and storage costs are reduced, but the ability to accommodate different installation scenarios (flush mounting, lateral cable outlet) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cover frames and base parts as intermediary components that mediate between the single functional part and different installation requirements. The cover frame acts as an intermediary for flush mounting by providing a mounting surface, while the base part serves as an intermediary for cable routing, allowing the functional part to adapt to various installation scenarios without modification.
3Ease of operation
If the functional part is mounted without adapter components, then the installation is simpler, but the cable outlet cannot be properly routed when cavities are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the configuration of adapter components optional and flexible. The cover frames and base parts can be added or removed based on the specific installation situation, allowing the system to adapt dynamically between simple direct mounting and complex adapted mounting configurations without requiring a completely different switch design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3a~4d
Figure 5a~6d
AI summary
Switch arrangement comprising a functional part (1) with a housing (2), a switching element (5), a connecting cable (6) connected to the switching element (5) with a cable exit at the rear, and with bores (3) for the passage of fastening means, wherein the bores (3) are arranged in recesses (4) of the housing (2).It is proposed that a cover frame (12) which can be attached to the front of the housing (2) of the functional part (1) is provided, as well as a base part (8) which is provided with base part bores (9) which, when the base part (8) is placed on the rear of the housing (2) of the functional part (1), align with the bores (3) of the functional part (1) for the passage of the fastening means, wherein the base part (8) has a receptacle (10) for the connecting cable (6) of the functional part (1) and a cable guide groove (11) connecting the receptacle (10) to a side surface of the base part (8) for a lateral cable exit of the connecting cable (6), and the functional part (1) can optionally be combined with the cover frame (12) and/or the base part (8).