Steering Column Switch Unit Connector Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch units for vehicle operations, such as wiper and light switches, require embedding connectors and intermediate harnesses in the steering column, increasing size and cost due to the need for high-quality components.
Innovation Solution
The switch unit design eliminates the need for embedded connectors and harnesses by directly connecting the connectors of the wiper switch and light switch to the steering column, using a guide rib and groove system for easy alignment and connection, allowing for a space-saving and cost-effective configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors and intermediate harnesses are embedded in the steering column, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the size of the steering column increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connectors and intermediate harnesses from the steering column structure. Instead of embedding these components within the steering column, the invention allows the operation parts to be directly connected to the connector, thereby eliminating the need for intermediate harnesses and reducing the steering column volume while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connector directly with the operation parts. The connector is integrated into the operation part assembly, eliminating the need for separate intermediate harnesses. This merging reduces the number of components and the overall size of the steering column while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
2Reliability
If connectors and intermediate harnesses are embedded in the steering column, then electrical connections are established, but manufacturing cost increases due to quality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intermediate harnesses from the steering column assembly. By removing these intermediate components, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the quality requirements for multiple embedded components are eliminated, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary electrical connection reliability through direct connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connector functionality directly into the operation parts, eliminating the need for separate intermediate harnesses. This integration reduces the number of high-quality components required, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces overall manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lever switches are electrically connected through embedded connectors and harnesses, then control signals can be output, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intermediate harnesses and embedded connectors from the steering column. By removing these intermediate components, the electrical connection system is simplified, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to output control signals from multiple lever switches through direct connections to the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connector directly with the operation parts, eliminating the need for complex intermediate harness configurations. This integration simplifies the overall device structure, reducing the number of components and connection points, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the multi-switch functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
There is provided a switch unit which is downsized and which can reduce cost by eliminating a connector and an intermediate harness embedded in a body. A wiper switch and a light switch are attached to a steering column. Each of the wiper switch and the light switch includes a base portion which positions a stator portion of the steering column between each other, a housing portion projecting from the base portion along a periphery of the stator portion. A connector is housed in the housing portion. The connector of the wiper switch and the connector of the light switch are attached to the steering column with the connectors being directly connected together.