Switch Device Flange Pressing Mechanism Waterproof Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices for vehicle instrument panels suffer from water ingress due to gaps between the body and insulator components, leading to potential short circuits.
Innovation Solution
The switch device incorporates a flange portion on the body and a pressing portion on the insulator, which engage in line contact under a restoring force, enhancing the sealing between the body and insulator to prevent water entry and improve structural precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If engagement pawls are used to couple the insulator to the body, then the assembly is simplified and ease of manufacture is improved, but gaps are created that allow water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into two functional parts: engagement pawls for mechanical coupling and a pressing portion for sealing. The pressing portion is separately formed on the insulator and independently presses the flange portion to create a waterproof seal, while the engagement pawls handle only the mechanical coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portion acts as an intermediary element between the engagement pawls and the pressing portion. It is pressed by the pressing portion to deform and create intimate contact, thereby mediating the sealing function while allowing the engagement pawls to maintain their coupling function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tight fit between insulator and body is achieved to prevent water ingress, then waterproof property is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portion is designed to change its physical state from a non-deformed state to a deformed state through elastic deformation. This parameter change allows the flange to conform to the pressing portion and create a tight seal without requiring high manufacturing precision for the initial fit between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portion is designed to apply pre-compression force to the flange portion before final assembly is complete. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the sealing interface is already under compression, preventing water ingress even with variations in manufacturing precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flange portion is pressed to create intimate contact for sealing, then waterproof property is improved, but the engagement strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the engagement pawls provide mechanical coupling strength, while the pressing portion provides sealing force. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the insulator have different local qualities: the engagement pawls are designed for mechanical interlocking, while the pressing portion is designed for elastic deformation and sealing. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively.
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 achieves excellent waterproof properties, preventing short circuits and enhancing the structural precision and quality of the switch device by ensuring a secure engagement between the body and insulator components.
Implementation Method 1
the edge part of the flange portion is in intimate contact with the pressing portion by a restoring force of the flange portion under a condition that the flange portion is pressed by the pressing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes a body, an insulator which forms an outer casing with the body, a first engagement portion formed at a side portion of the body, a flange portion formed at an edge part of the side portion of the body, a second engagement portion formed on the insulator so as to be engaged with the first engagement portion, and a pressing portion which is formed on the insulator and is adapted to press the flange portion in a state that a plane part of the pressing portion is in line-contact with the edge part of the flange portion when the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion. The edge part of the flange portion is in intimate contact with the pressing portion by a restoring force of the flange portion under a condition that the flange portion is pressed by the pressing portion, and the flange portion urges the second engagement portion engaged with the first engagement portion in a restoring direction of the flange portion so as to reinforce the engagement of the first engagement portion with the second engagement portion.