Vehicle Switch Connector Layout Using Electrical Configuration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch systems for vehicles require dedicated connection devices for each switch function, leading to increased component and management costs due to different shapes and electrical configurations of switches.
Innovation Solution
A switch system with a common connector configuration for multiple switches, utilizing a processor to differentiate between switches based on their electrical configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated connection devices and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated connection devices are prepared for each switch function, then switch identification becomes straightforward, but component cost and management cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is designed with a universal connector that can accommodate multiple switch types (first switch and second switch) through a single standardized interface. The processor identifies the connected switch type by detecting the electrical configuration of the connection terminals, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated connection devices while maintaining reliable switch identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different electrical configurations are used for different switch functions, then switch functionality is differentiated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical differentiation (different connector shapes for different switch types) with electrical differentiation (different electrical configurations detected by the processor). The processor identifies switch types by analyzing the electrical properties of the connection terminals, simplifying the physical connector design while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different switch functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the same terminal configuration is used for multiple switches, then connector specification can be made common, but switch identification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods with electrical detection methods. The processor detects the electrical configuration of the connection terminals to identify the switch type, enabling standardized connectors to work with multiple switch types while maintaining accurate switch identification through electrical property analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A shift lever switch includes a plurality of first connection terminals and a first circuit using the plurality of first connection terminals in a first electrical configuration. A wiper lever switch includes a plurality of second connection terminals and a second circuit using the plurality of second connection terminals in a second electrical configuration different from the first electrical configuration. A processor is configured to determine whether a switch connected to the connector is the shift lever switch or the wiper lever switch, based on whether a plurality of connection terminals of the switch connected to a right connector are used in the first electrical configuration or the second electrical configuration.