Vehicle Switch Knob Mounting via Integrated Panel Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch knob mounting structures for vehicles risk damaging the panel surface during installation, are complex due to the need for external mounting, and require additional components like knob guides.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure where the switch knob is pivotably supported by pair of support portions extending from the panel's back surface, allowing it to be mounted from the backside without interfering with the panel, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for separate support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the switch knob is mounted externally of the panel after the panel is mounted, then the panel surface is protected from damage during mounting, but the mounting operation becomes more complex and requires additional components like a knob guide
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are integrated directly into the panel structure, merging the support function with the panel itself. This eliminates the need for separate knob guides while still protecting the panel surface during mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions act as intermediary structures that facilitate the external mounting of the switch knob while protecting the panel surface. They provide a mounting interface without requiring additional separate components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the switch knob is mounted externally of the panel, then the panel surface is protected from damage, but the number of components increases due to the need for a knob guide
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are formed as an integral part of the panel, combining multiple functions (structural support and knob mounting) into a single component. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining panel surface protection.
3Ease of operation
If the switch knob is mounted before the panel is mounted, then the mounting operation is simpler, but it becomes difficult to align the panel opening portions with the switch knobs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the knob before the panel, the invention inverts the sequence by providing support portions on the panel that guide and support the knob during external mounting. This maintains operational simplicity while ensuring proper alignment through the support structure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a knob guide is provided to support the switch knob, then the mounting structure is more stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are integrated into the panel structure, merging the stabilizing function with the panel itself. This maintains mounting structure stability while eliminating the need for separate knob guide components.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting structure of a switch knob for a vehicle includes a panel 10 having an opening portion 11 and a switch knob 14 having a front surface 14a exposed through the opening portion 11. The panel 10 includes a pair of support portions 12 respectively extending upright on opposing edge portions of the opening portion 11 on the back surface 10b of the panel 10 in a direction perpendicular to the panel 10, and the switch knob 14 is pivotably supported by the support portions 12. Thus, there is provided a mounting structure of a switch knob for a vehicle, which is simple, with the number of components for mounting being reduced and in which a possibility of scratching a panel surface during the mounting operation can be reduced.