Trunk Switch Module Emblem Integration Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trunk switch modules in vehicles are prone to water ingress and operational malfunctions due to capillary phenomena and freezing issues, especially when installed in emblems, leading to difficulties in operating the trunk switch at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A trunk switch module with a button sealing unit and a cover assembly featuring a protection film, integrated into the emblem, which enhances watertightness and prevents freezing-induced malfunctions, using thermoplastic polyurethane materials and ultrasonic fusion for secure coupling, while maintaining design aesthetics and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the emblem is integrated with the trunk switch using a button stroke guide structure, then the trunk switch can be actuated through pressing or pulling the emblem, but water is introduced between the button stroke guide and switch body causing capillary phenomenon and freezing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The button stroke guide is extracted and replaced with a direct coupling structure between the emblem and switch body. The emblem is directly coupled to the push button which contacts the switch body, eliminating the intermediate button stroke guide component that caused water ingress and capillary phenomenon.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof seal is introduced as an intermediary element between the emblem and switch body. This seal prevents water from entering the internal components while allowing the mechanical actuation force to be transmitted from the emblem through the push button to the switch body.
2Ease of operation
If a large area exists between the button stroke guide and switch body, then the emblem can be easily pressed, but introduced water freezes at low temperature causing operation malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The button stroke guide component is removed entirely, eliminating the large gap area that allowed water to enter and freeze. The direct coupling between emblem and push button maintains pressing ease while preventing water accumulation in the internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof seal is positioned at the interface between the emblem and switch body, creating a barrier that prevents water from entering the internal components where it could freeze and cause operational malfunction.
3Ease of operation
If the emblem is made into a button with button stroke guide, then the trunk switch can be actuated by pressing, but water drainage through capillary phenomenon causes freezing and operation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The button stroke guide is extracted and replaced with a direct coupling structure. This eliminates the capillary channels that existed between the button stroke guide and switch body, preventing water from being drawn in through capillary action during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof seal is introduced as a mediator between the emblem and switch body, blocking the capillary pathways that would otherwise allow water to be drawn into the internal components through capillary phenomenon.
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 solution effectively prevents water ingress and ensures reliable operation of the trunk switch by enhancing watertightness and minimizing friction with the vehicle body, improving switch performance and design freedom without the need for separate waterproofing devices.
Implementation Method 1
when water is introduced between the button stroke guide and the switch body, the water is drained due to a capillary phenomenon
Implementation Method 2
when the introduced water is frozen by a low temperature in the wintertime
Data Source
AI summary
A trunk switch module for a vehicle includes: a housing, of which a rear side is partially inserted into a trunk lid of the vehicle, having a mounting space at a front side of the housing; a trunk switch disposed in the mounting space to selectively open the trunk lid according to an operation of a user; a cover assembly attached to a front edge of the housing to close the opened front side of the housing, the cover assembly having a button sealing unit which corresponds to the trunk switch; a protection film attached to the front surface of the cover assembly; and an emblem mounted on the cover assembly at a front side of the protection film.