Switch Device Fitting with Elastic Deformation for Column Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices with operating levers attached to vehicle column posts face challenges in maintaining consistent attachment strength, especially when subjected to overloads, due to variations in clamping forces from band-shaped metal rings.
Innovation Solution
The switch device incorporates a fitting portion with vertical slit notches allowing elastic deformation, and pressed-bulging portions that maintain contact with the column post, enhancing the clamping force stability through an annular member, ensuring reliable attachment even under overload conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a band-shaped highly elastic metal ring is used to clamp the switch body to the column post, then the attachment strength can be increased, but the variation in attachment strength increases when receiving overload
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is designed with elastic deformation portions that change their physical state under different load conditions. During normal operation, the fitting portion maintains a standard clamping force. When overload occurs, the elastic deformation portions deform to increase the clamping force, thereby maintaining consistent attachment strength across different load conditions. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction by making the attachment strength adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting portion transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with elastic deformation capabilities. The elastic deformation portions allow the fitting portion to adapt its shape and clamping force in response to applied loads. This dynamic behavior enables the attachment mechanism to maintain reliable attachment strength whether under normal or overload conditions, resolving the contradiction between strength and consistency.
2Force
If the clamping force is increased to withstand overload, then the attachment strength improves, but the variation in attachment strength increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformation portions are pre-configured to deform in a controlled manner when overload occurs. This beforehand cushioning design ensures that the fitting portion can absorb and respond to overload forces smoothly, preventing sudden jumps or variations in clamping force. The elastic elements act as cushions that gradually engage under overload, maintaining stable clamping force rather than causing abrupt changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid fitting portion is used, then the manufacturing precision can be improved, but the attachment strength variation increases under overload
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is segmented into multiple regions, including rigid portions for maintaining manufacturing precision and elastic deformation portions for adapting to load conditions. The elastic deformation portions are positioned at specific locations to deform under overload, while other portions maintain their precise geometric relationships. This segmentation allows the fitting portion to combine the benefits of both rigid and elastic characteristics, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and attachment strength consistency.
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
This configuration reduces variations in attachment strength, stabilizes the clamping force, and enhances the overall attachment reliability and operational feel of the switch device, allowing it to withstand greater forces from the operating levers.
Implementation Method 1
a fitting portion (14) provided with plural elastic deformation portions (14b)
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device (10) includes a switch body (11) that supports a lever operating portion (12,13), and a cylindrical fitting portion (14) through which the switch body is attached to an attached portion. The fitting portion (14) includes a plurality of elastic deformation portions (14b) elastically deformable by a clamping force of a clamping band member (15) and a pressed-bulging portion (14c) bulging from an outer surface of a tip portion of the elastic deformation portions (14b). The pressed-bulging portion (14c) is configured to locate at a contact position with the attached portion.