Motor Vehicle Switching Control Arrangement with Elastic Membrane Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch operating arrangements in motor vehicles experience tilting of the actuating surface when operated off-centre, leading to frictional forces that can cause jamming and hinder smooth, linear movement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates flat elastic elements with a small thickness, acting as membranes, to ensure parallel guidance of the actuating surface, which are clamped to a frame and spacer, allowing for linear movement without tilting, using materials like rigid plastic films or thin metal sheets, and incorporating passively or actively working elements for haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating surface is operated off-centre, then the user can access various functions, but tilting of the actuating surface occurs causing frictional forces and potential jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic membrane elements as flexible components to support the actuating surface. These membranes are designed with specific thickness ratios (thickness to areal extent) to provide the necessary flexibility for off-centre operation while maintaining sufficient stiffness to prevent tilting and ensure reliable linear movement without jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the elastic membrane elements relative to their areal extent. By carefully controlling this geometric parameter, the membranes achieve the right balance between flexibility (allowing off-centre actuation) and rigidity (preventing tilting and friction-induced jamming).
2Volume of moving object
If the actuating surface is moved with a small stroke, then the device becomes more compact, but the length and width of the actuating surface must be greater than the guidance distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the actuating surface dimensions in the x and y directions (planar dimensions) to compensate for the limited z-direction stroke. This dimensional redistribution allows the device to maintain compactness in the movement direction while providing sufficient actuating surface area through increased lateral dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic membrane elements enable the actuating surface to achieve the required dimensional proportions with a small stroke. The membranes' flexibility allows the surface to be sufficiently large in plan view while maintaining a compact overall device volume through minimal displacement distance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flat elastic elements with small thickness are used, then parallel guidance is achieved avoiding tilting, but the elements require precise manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal thickness ranges for the elastic membrane elements that provide sufficient parallel guidance stability. By selecting thickness values that are small relative to the areal extent but within controlled tolerances, the design achieves tilt-free operation while remaining manufacturable with standard precision capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin-film elastic membranes inherently provides parallel guidance when properly designed. The membrane geometry and material properties are selected to ensure that even with typical manufacturing variations, the elements maintain sufficient stiffness to prevent tilting while retaining the flexibility needed for operation.
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 tilt-free, low-friction, play-free operation with reduced component count, low noise, and a compact design, ensuring high ease of assembly and flexibility in haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
each elastic element is designed as a flat element with a small thickness in the manner of a membrane, such that each elastic element can be elastically deflected essentially perpendicularly to the surface of the membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a switching control arrangement (1) particularly for a motor vehicle and comprising a movable actuation surface (2). The actuation surface (2) interacts with a displacement means (4) such that said actuation surface (2) can be moved substantially linearly, over at least one distance, out of a starting position and into an actuation position. Said displacement means (4) comprises at least one elastic element (7) that is arranged so as to be tensioned. The actuation position can be designed as a switching position such that the actuation surface (2), when in said switching position, has a switching effect on a switching element, a sensor, or similar. The elastic element (7) is designed in the form of a planar element with a small thickness like a membrane such that it is possible for said elastic element (7) to be elastically deflected substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the membrane.