Switch Device Waterproof Sealing via Integrated Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch devices for vehicles, such as bonnet or hood open-close detectors, face challenges in achieving reliable waterproof performance at a lower production cost due to complex and time-consuming sealing processes.

Innovation Solution

A switch device design featuring a housing with a receiving portion, a switch body, and a sealing member that electrically and physically connects terminals through a hole, allowing for easy assembly and reliable waterproof sealing without the need for extensive soldering or sealant application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soldering and sealant filling operations are used to achieve waterproof performance, then reliability of sealing is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sealing function from complex soldering and sealant filling operations by introducing a dedicated sealing member that integrates sealing and electrical connection functions. This sealing member is inserted into a sealing groove to form a waterproof seal, eliminating the need for separate soldering and sealant application steps while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sealing function with the electrical connection function by designing a sealing member that simultaneously provides both waterproof sealing and electrical connectivity. This integrated approach combines multiple functions into a single component, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If soldering and sealant filling operations are used to achieve waterproof performance, then reliability of sealing is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sealing function from complex soldering and sealant filling operations by introducing a dedicated sealing member that integrates sealing and electrical connection functions. This sealing member is inserted into a sealing groove to form a waterproof seal, eliminating the need for separate soldering and sealant application steps while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a sealing member made of inexpensive materials such as rubber or plastic that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach uses cost-effective materials and simple insertion operations instead of expensive soldering and sealant processes, reducing production cost while achieving reliable waterproof sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If soldering and sealant filling operations are used to achieve waterproof performance, then reliability of sealing is improved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sealing function from complex soldering and sealant filling operations by introducing a dedicated sealing member that integrates sealing and electrical connection functions. This sealing member is inserted into a sealing groove to form a waterproof seal, eliminating the need for separate soldering and sealant application steps while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is pre-formed with the necessary sealing structure and electrical connection features before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for quick insertion into the sealing groove during final assembly, significantly reducing production time compared to performing soldering and sealant filling operations on-site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3651177B1Switch device and opening/closing detection device

Publication Date: 2022.07.06 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

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AI summary

A switch device includes a housing including a receiving portion having an opening at the top of the receiving portion, a switch body received in the receiving portion, and a sealing member sandwiched between the bottom of the receiving portion and the bottom of the switch body. In the receiving portion, a terminal located on the bottom of the switch body and a terminal exposed in a hole of the bottom of the receiving portion are electrically and physically connected to each other through a hole of the sealing member.