Switching Device Actuator Cap with Segmented Control Contour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices can only produce two switching signals, limiting their functionality to specify two operating positions, and require additional devices to achieve more complex operations like raising a car window, with no defined movement beyond the switching point, and requiring actuation in opposite directions to activate both contact switches simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a control contour divided into subsections allows for flexible arrangement of transmission elements, enabling multiple switching signals in one direction and additional signals in the opposite direction, allowing for overlapping movements and linear actuation, thus enabling more complex operations like opening and closing a car window with a single actuator cap movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-stage switch with limited actuator cap movement angle is used, then the structure is simple, but only two switching signals can be produced and additional switches are needed for more complex operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control contour is divided into multiple subsections (first, second, third, and fourth subsections) that can be independently configured to interact with different transmission elements. This segmentation allows a single actuator cap to activate multiple contact switches through different movement sequences, thereby increasing the number of producible switching signals without adding more actuator caps or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator cap is designed with dynamic movement capabilities including swiveling in multiple directions (first and second swiveling directions) and linear movement along a guide. This dynamic design allows the actuator cap to traverse different paths and activate different combinations of contact switches, enabling complex operations like window control with raise, lower, and intermediate positions from a single switch device.
2Reliability
If the actuator cap is positioned against the stop to activate the second contact switch, then the switching signal is produced, but the confirmation pressure is significantly characterized by reaching the stop and no defined movement possibility beyond the switching point is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The control contour is segmented into multiple subsections that interact with different contact switches at different positions. This allows the actuator cap to activate contact switches sequentially during its movement along the guide, rather than requiring the cap to be pressed against a stop. The segmented design distributes the switching actions along the movement path, providing continuous user feedback throughout the actuation process.
3Reliability
If the actuator cap must be moved in opposite swiveling directions to activate both contact switches, then both switches can be activated, but the actuation sequence is complex and requires reversing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator cap is designed as a universal actuating element that can activate multiple contact switches through a single linear movement along the guide. The cap incorporates multiple control contour subsections that interact with different transmission elements and contact switches sequentially. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to reverse the actuator cap's direction, as all switching actions are accomplished during the forward movement along the guide.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical switch device including a housing having an actuator cap movably mounted thereon and a plurality of contact switches disposed therein. The cap is operable to engage the contact switches within the housing to activate the switches in a selected sequence.