Tilt Switch Lighting Assembly for Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle storage compartment lighting assemblies are complex due to the need for separate wiring and components, particularly with the use of plunger switches that require additional hardware and increase assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A tilt switch is integrated into the circuit board of the storage compartment, activating the light source only when the access door is fully open, eliminating the need for a plunger switch and simplifying the wiring and assembly by using a single tilt switch to control the light source based on the door's angular position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plunger switch with separate wire harness is used to control the light source, then the lighting assembly can be positioned optimally, but the wiring complexity and component assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plunger switch and the wire harness into an integrated assembly where the switch is pre-mounted on the wire harness with pre-attached connectors. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring operations and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the ability to position the light source optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger switch and connectors are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the wire harness during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the light source to be positioned optimally during installation without requiring complex on-site wiring operations, as the wiring configuration is already determined and prepared.
2Reliability
If a plunger switch with separate wire harness is used, then the light source can be controlled, but the assembly cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the plunger switch, wire harness, and connectors into a single integrated component assembly. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be procured, managed, and assembled, thereby lowering assembly costs while maintaining reliable light source control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wire harness assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power transmission, incorporates the control switch, and includes pre-attached connectors for mating with the light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall assembly complexity and cost.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is activated based on door position, then the storage compartment can be illuminated when needed, but unwanted activation and deactivation may occur with conventional switches
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger switch is mechanically coupled to the access door through the wire harness assembly, creating a feedback mechanism where the door's open/closed position directly actuates the switch. This ensures the light source is activated only when the door is fully open and deactivated when closed, preventing unwanted activation states through direct mechanical feedback from the door position.
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of the lighting assembly by ensuring the light source is only activated when the access door is fully open, preventing unwanted activation and deactivation, and allowing for a more streamlined installation process.
Implementation Method 1
A tilt switch integrated into the circuit board of the storage compartment, activating the light source only when the access door is fully open
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle compartment has a housing defining a space and an access door pivotally coupled to the housing for pivoting between an open position and a closed position. Included is a light source for illuminating the space and a tilt switch provided on a circuit board coupled to the access door. The tilt switch is configured to have a first switch position when the access door is in the closed position and a second switch position when the access door is in the open position. The light source is activated when tilt switch is in the second switch position. The compartment may include a storage compartment, such as a glove box. The compartment may include an engine compartment.