Vehicular Switch Knob Lighting Guide for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern vehicle switches increases the likelihood of erroneous operations due to their multifunctionality, leading to reduced visibility and increased risk of user error during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A switch knob with a lighting unit that includes a light source and a lighting guide with reflective lugs to enhance visibility, combined with a confirmation switch unit for user feedback, and an operating module that integrates multiple switch functions on a single substrate to minimize wiring and improve design and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switch functions are combined into a single switch assembly, then the manipulability and space utilization are improved, but the complexity of the switch structure increases and the risk of erroneous operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is divided into distinct functional modules including a rotary switch unit for axial rotation operations, a directional switch unit for tilting operations, and a push switch unit for pressing operations. Each module handles specific functions independently, reducing structural complexity while maintaining multifunctionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch shaft unit serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits and coordinates operations from the knob to multiple switch units. The shaft unit enables a single user input to trigger multiple switch responses, simplifying the user interface while managing complex functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple switch functions are combined into a single switch assembly, then the space utilization is improved, but the likelihood of erroneous operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A lighting unit with light emitting elements and a lighting guide is integrated into the knob to provide visual feedback and illumination. The lighting system highlights the current operation mode and provides visibility in low-light conditions, helping users distinguish between different switch functions and avoid erroneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit provides real-time visual feedback to the user about the current switch state and operational mode. This feedback mechanism helps users understand which function is currently active, reducing the likelihood of incorrect operations in multifunctional switch assemblies.
3Illumination intensity
If a lighting unit is added to the knob to improve visibility, then the visibility and user guidance are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting guide is integrated directly into the knob structure, merging the illumination function with the existing knob design. The lighting guide uses the knob's own structural elements as light pathways, eliminating the need for separate complex lighting components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting guide structure serves multiple functions: it guides light from the emitting elements to illuminate the knob markings, provides structural support within the knob assembly, and maintains aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
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 improves visibility and reduces the risk of user error by providing clear lighting guidance and feedback, while also simplifying the switch unit's design, reducing manufacturing costs, and minimizing the risk of interference and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting guide embossing part including one or more lighting guide reflective lugs formed protrudingly outwardly from the other surface of the lighting guide body so as to reflect light entering the inside of lighting guide body through the lighting guide light entering part to the lighting guide light exiting parts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an operating module comprising: a vehicular multi-operating switch unit; a module housing configured to allow the vehicular multi-operating switch unit to be movably accommodated therein; a module drive unit disposed in the module housing and configured to generate a driving force that moves the module housing; a module unit shuttle configured to allow the vehicular multi-operating switch unit to be accommodated therein, the module unit shuttle being movably disposed in the module housing; and a module drive transfer unit connected at one side thereof to the module drive unit and connected at the other side thereof to the module unit shuttle, and configured to transfer a driving force that moves the vehicular multi-operating switch unit relative to the module housing, wherein a switch knob is provided at an end of the switch shaft unit, is moved together with the module unit shuttle in response to the movement of the module unit shuttle, and forms a grip for a user, and wherein a module optical unit s provided at the module housing and is configured to display an operation state of the switch knob, including whether or not the switch knob can be operated.