Swivel Lamp Ball Assembly with Integral Switch Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball and socket type swivel assemblies for lamps and air conditioning nozzles in automobiles lack a reliable mechanism for multiple positioning and electrical control, particularly in conical fields of projection or air stream direction, with existing solutions failing to securely retain the swivel ball and provide efficient electrical switching.
Innovation Solution
A multiple positioning assembly with integral switch contacts utilizing a cylindrical housing, radially and axially canted coil springs to physically retain and electrically connect a conductive ball portion, allowing conical movement and preventing rotation, while enabling control of lamp intensity or air flow through spring contact configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball and socket type swivel assembly is used for lamps and air conditioning nozzles, then the assembly can achieve conical movement and directional control, but the assembly lacks reliable multiple positioning capability and secure retention of the swivel ball
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous conical movement range is segmented into discrete positioning zones using multiple spring contacts arranged at different angular positions. The ball portion is retained at specific positions by engaging with these segmented spring contacts, enabling reliable multiple positioning while maintaining overall conical movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring contacts serve as intermediary elements between the ball portion and the housing. These spring contacts provide both mechanical retention and electrical switching functions, mediating the interaction between the movable ball and the fixed housing to achieve secure retention and reliable positioning.
2Device complexity
If existing swivel assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the assembly fails to provide secure retention of the swivel ball and efficient electrical switching
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function and electrical switching function are merged into a single integrated component - the spring contact. Each spring contact simultaneously provides mechanical retention for the ball portion and electrical switching capability, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms and switches while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contacts serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical retention for the ball portion, enable electrical switching for lamp or air conditioning control, and facilitate multiple positioning capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while enhancing reliability.
3Reliability
If spring contacts are used to retain and electrically connect the ball portion, then reliable multiple positioning and electrical control are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring contacts are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical retention, electrical conduction, and positioning control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable retention and switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contacts utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter, allowing them to flexibly engage and disengage with the ball portion while maintaining electrical contact. This parameter change enables the spring contacts to adapt to different positions and maintain reliable connection without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
The assembly securely positions the ball for conical movement, completes electrical circuits for lamp or air conditioning control, and provides stable retention and switching functionality, enhancing the versatility and reliability of lighting and air conditioning systems in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
radial and axial canted coil springs which physical retain a swivel ball
Implementation Method 2
Adjacent spring contacts complete an electrical circuit through the ball portion surface when in simultaneous contact therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple positioning assembly with integral switch contact includes a cylindrical housing along with a ball assembly including a ball portion received by the cylindrical assembly. The ball portion includes an electrically conductive surface and a neck extending therefrom. A plurality of spaced apart spring retainers are disposed within the cylindrical housing with electrically conductive coil spring contacts therein. Adjacent spring contacts complete an electrical circuit through the ball portion surface when in simultaneous contact therewith. Spring contacts further enable positioning of the ball portion within the cylindrical housing for conical movement of the neck with the ball portion being axially moveable between the spring contacts.