Vehicle Switch Cap Integrating Printed Circuit for Liquid Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control switches are prone to liquid damage due to their complex structure and sensitivity of electrical circuits, which affects their reliability and packaging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control panel with a switch cap that integrates the electric circuit either by printing it on the inside surface or embedding it within the material, eliminating the need for a separate PCB and providing protection from liquids, while allowing for compact and versatile operation through rotatable electrical connection pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional switch structure with separate actuator and PCB is used, then the switch can be easily manufactured, but the electric circuit is sensitive to liquid damage and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric circuit directly into the switch cap by printing conductive traces on the inner surface of the switch cap, eliminating the need for a separate PCB and actuator assembly. This integration reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall structure, and protects the circuit from liquid damage by embedding it within the switch cap material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the switch cap itself as a protective shell that encloses and protects the printed circuit. The switch cap acts as a flexible barrier that prevents liquid from reaching the circuit while maintaining the necessary mechanical flexibility for switch operation.
2Volume of stationary object
If a PCB with electric circuit is mounted below the switch button, then the circuit can be easily connected, but it occupies space and is vulnerable to liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit board function directly into the switch cap by printing the circuit traces on the inner surface of the switch cap. This eliminates the need for a separate PCB, significantly reducing the space occupied by the switch assembly while simultaneously protecting the circuit from liquid damage by embedding it within the cap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified version of the circuit board by printing conductive traces directly on the switch cap inner surface, replacing the traditional PCB with a printed circuit pattern that serves the same electrical connection function but with reduced space requirements and improved liquid resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the switch, then the switch can be easily assembled, but the packaging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (actuator, PCB, connection terminals) into a single integrated switch cap structure. The circuit is printed directly on the inner surface of the switch cap, and the cap itself serves as both the housing and the circuit carrier, significantly improving packaging efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single-piece construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle control panel comprising a switch cap comprising electrical connection pads (106) arranged on a side of the switch cap, and an electric circuit printed on an inside surface of the switch cap associated with selecting a state of the function. A panel member (108) has an opening (110) in which the switch cap is pivotally and releasably attached. The panel member (108) has electrical circuit closing members (114) attached on an inner surface (112) of the panel member. Pairs of the electrical connection pads (106) are adapted to coincide and make contact with a respective one of the electrical circuit closing members (114) to close an electric circuit portion in the switch cap such that an external electrical circuitry operates the function.