Steering Column Switch Deflection Lever for Large Switching Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering stick switches require a large installation space to reliably distinguish between different switch positions due to the direct dependency of switch position movement on the gear lever movement.
Innovation Solution
A switch design that decouples the movement of the gear lever from the signaling element using a deflection lever, allowing for a compact structure with a small installation space while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different switch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a long switching element is used to reliably distinguish between switch positions, then the switching precision is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deflection lever as an intermediary mechanism between the switching element and the signaling element. The deflection lever converts the movement of the switching element into an amplified movement of the signaling element, allowing for reliable switch position differentiation without requiring a long switching element. This mediator enables the decoupling of the switching element length from the signaling element movement amplitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement parameters by using a deflection lever with specific lever arm length ratios. The first lever arm is longer than the second lever arm, creating a mechanical advantage that amplifies the movement of the signaling element relative to the switching element. This parameter change allows compact switching elements to produce sufficient signaling movement for reliable position detection.
2Device complexity
If the signaling element is directly coupled to the gear lever, then the device complexity is reduced, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection lever serves as an intermediary that maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling compact design. It is a straightforward mechanical component that couples the switching element to the signaling element through a fixed bearing, adding minimal complexity while achieving the space reduction goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection lever is rotatably mounted in a bearing arranged at a distance from the switching element in the longitudinal direction. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows the mechanism to achieve compactness while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward rotational coupling.
3Ease of operation
If the signaling element movement is directly dependent on gear lever movement, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection lever acts as a mediator that preserves the direct operational relationship between gear lever actuation and signaling element movement while enabling compact packaging. The mechanical coupling through the deflection lever maintains the intuitive actuation feel and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection lever changes the movement parameters through its lever arm ratio, where the first lever arm is longer than the second. This allows the signaling element to traverse a larger distance than the switching element, providing clear position differentiation while keeping the overall mechanism compact and easy to operate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a simple distinction between different switch positions with minimal installation space, enhancing the compactness and efficiency of the switch system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic signaling element (32) which is arranged on the first lever arm (40)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a switch (10), more particularly as a steering column switch for arrangement on a steering column of a vehicle, having an actuatable switch lever (12), which has a bearing element (16) along the longitudinal axis (14) of the switch lever, with which bearing element the switch lever (12) is movably mounted in a bearing (20) of a basic housing (18), and having a switch element (30) that is movement-coupled to the switch lever (12), which switch element is executed with a contact-free signalling element (32), wherein the switch lever (12) can be actuated on a first side (34) of the bearing element (16), the switch element (30) is arranged on a second side (36) of the bearing element (16), the switch element (30) is designed as a deflection lever with a first and a second lever arm (40, 42), the deflection lever (30) is held in the connection region (44) of the first and the second lever arm (40, 42) in a deflection bearing (46) so as to rotate on the basic housing (18), the signalling element (32) is arranged on the first lever arm (40), and the second lever arm (42) is coupled with the switch lever (12). The invention also relates to a vehicle having an aforementioned switch (10).