Motor Vehicle Switch Snap Disc Self-Aligning Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of switches with snap-action disks is expensive due to the need for precise alignment of the snap-action disk within the receptacle to ensure reliable electrical connection between contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a base body with a receptacle and contact surfaces where the snap-action disk has a curved area and multiple support elements, ensuring contact with the second contact surface in every position, eliminating the need for alignment during assembly and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the snap-action disk is precisely aligned and adjusted on the contact surfaces, then reliable electrical connection is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is divided into multiple segments (first contact surface, second contact surface extending around the first) to ensure that at least one support element always contacts a contact surface regardless of snap-action disk position, eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The second contact surface extends in a radial direction around the first contact surface, creating a circular or annular contact zone. This dimensional arrangement ensures that support elements distributed around the periphery of the snap-action disk will always contact the second contact surface, eliminating the need for precise axial alignment during assembly
2Reliability
If the snap-action disk is adjusted during assembly, then reliable functioning is ensured, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric arrangement of contact surfaces and support elements creates a self-aligning system where the snap-action disk automatically establishes electrical connection upon insertion without requiring manual adjustment or positioning, as the circular second contact surface ensures contact regardless of disk orientation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support elements are distributed around the periphery of the snap-action disk, corresponding to multiple segments of the second contact surface. This segmentation ensures that regardless of the disk's rotational position, at least one support element will contact the second contact surface, eliminating the need for assembly adjustment
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 design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex adjustments of the snap-action disk, ensuring reliable electrical connections and increased service life through gold plating and improved assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
the curved area being elastically deformed when the snap-action disk is actuated, so that an electrical connection between the two contact surfaces is achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a switch for a door, a flap, or a door handle of a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (10) having a receptacle (11), a first (31) and a second contact surface (32) provided in the receptacle (11), a snap disc (40) arranged in the receptacle (11) and having a curved area (41) located above the first contact surface (31), and at least three support elements (42), wherein at least one support element (42) contacts the second contact surface (32), wherein, upon actuation of the snap disc (40), the curved area (41) deforms elastically, such that an electrical connection between the two contact surfaces (31, 32) can be achieved and thus a switching signal can be generated, wherein the second contact surface (32), which has a distance to the first contact surface (31), extends at least partially around the first contact surface (31) in such a way thatthat in every possible position of the snap disc (40) within the receptacle (11) at least one support element (42) touches the second contact surface (32).