Switch Device Cam Member Segmentation for Compact Click Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices for power window switches in automobiles are bulky due to the integrated cam face design, making it difficult to miniaturize and vary click feelings, leading to inconsistent operation and manufacturing variations.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a cam member separate from the case, allowing for easy modification of click feelings by changing the cam member, and featuring a rocking operation mechanism that delivers click sensations to the operation knob, enabling miniaturization and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cam face is formed integrally with the housing, then the structure is simplified, but the height dimension becomes large and click feelings cannot be easily changed
Solution Approach 1:
The cam face is separated from the housing into an independent cam member. This segmentation allows the cam member to be a thin plate-shaped component with a small height dimension, while the housing maintains its original structure. The cam member can be easily replaced to change click feelings without modifying the entire housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member is designed as a thin plate-shaped structure that extends in the horizontal plane rather than vertically. This dimensional reorientation allows the cam face to provide sufficient lateral leverage for switch operation while maintaining a minimal height profile.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cam face is formed integrally with the housing, then manufacturing is simplified, but click feelings cannot be easily varied and manufacturing variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cam face into an independent cam member, different cam members with various cam face profiles can be manufactured separately and assembled into the same housing. This enables easy variation of click feelings across different switch models without requiring different housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member allows modification of cam face geometric parameters (such as curvature radius, inclination angle, and profile shape) independently from the housing. These parameter changes directly affect the click feeling characteristics while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized housing production.
3Stability of the object's composition
If guide parts are deformed due to housing shrinkage, then manufacturing variations occur, but the housing structure remains integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member is designed as a separate component that interacts with the plunger through lateral movement rather than relying on vertically extending guide parts. This eliminates the dependency on guide part dimensional stability, reducing the impact of housing shrinkage variations on operation feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member is positioned and supported in a location within the housing that is less susceptible to shrinkage-induced deformation. By carefully selecting the support location and orientation, the design minimizes the impact of housing dimensional variations on cam face geometry and plunger operation.
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
The solution allows for a compact switch device with customizable click feelings, improved operability, and reduced manufacturing variations, ensuring consistent performance across multiple switch devices.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring 3 which elastically deforms so as to urge the sliding member 4 against the cam face 8b
Implementation Method 2
the rubber sheet 59 is elastically deformed so that the movable contact 57a is brought into contact with the fixed contact 60a
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes an operation knob rotatably supported by a case, and switch mechanisms which can convert a switch circuit (not shown) disposed inside the case by performing a rocking operation on the operation knob. A cam member having a cam face which can deliver click feelings to the operation knob is disposed in the case. The switch circuit is converted in conjunction with the rocking operation of the operation knob, and click feelings are created so as to be delivered to the operation knob.