Tilting Switch Button With Flexibend Sensor For Driver Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle drivers often accidentally activate the wrong power window switch while driving, leading to distraction as they search for the correct switch on the door trim, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A device control switch system featuring a switch base with a tiltably mounted button and a flexibend sensor connected to an electronic control unit (ECU), which sends a signal to a display when the button is tilted, providing information on which switch is being touched, allowing the driver to avoid looking away from the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power window switch panel is used without sensing capability, then the device complexity is low, but driver distraction occurs when the wrong switch is accidentally activated
Solution Approach 1:
The flexibend sensor detects switch button tilting in advance before the window actually opens, allowing the DIC to display a warning message alerting the driver to the impending action. This preliminary detection and warning system prevents accidental window opening by giving the driver advance notice, thereby improving safety without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The flexibend sensor acts as an intermediary element between the switch button and the window control system. It detects the tilting motion of the switch button and transmits this information to the DIC, which then provides visual feedback to the driver. This intermediary sensing mechanism enables safety feedback without directly controlling the window operation
2Ease of operation
If the switch button is made highly tiltable for easy operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the flexibend sensor contact reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexibend sensor is designed to detect only partial tilting motion of the switch button (the initial tilt when the driver's finger accidentally touches it), rather than requiring detection of the full actuation range. This partial detection approach allows the sensor to reliably detect accidental contact while permitting the switch button to continue its full tilting range for normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from full switch actuation to initial tilt detection. By monitoring the small angular deviation that occurs when a finger touches the switch button, rather than waiting for complete button tilting, the flexibend sensor can provide early warning while maintaining full switch operability range
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 system prevents driver distraction by displaying which power window switch is being activated on the Driver Information Screen or Heads Up Display, ensuring the correct switch is used without diverting attention from the road.
Implementation Method 1
a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial, contact with the nib
Data Source
AI summary
One general aspect includes a device control switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base mounted to the panel assembly; a switch button, tiltably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to tilt away from a default position relative to a horizontal axis, the switch button including a nib; a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial contact with the nib as the nib moves with the switch button relative to the horizontal axis.