Variable Resistor Single Slider Spiral Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable resistors in electronic devices require a large number of components, which can complicate their design and increase complexity, particularly in applications like vehicle air conditioners where precise control of outlet modes is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A variable resistor design with a rotating part that includes a substrate with conductive patterns and a slider system, allowing for the detection of rotation and voltage changes to determine the position of the slider, thereby reducing the number of components needed by using a single slider and conductive patterns to manage multiple resistance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sliders and complex configurations are used to achieve precise control of outlet modes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple resistance detection functions into a single slider that moves along a spiral resistor body. Instead of using separate sliders for different outlet modes, one slider integrates all detection functions by varying its position along the spiral path, thereby reducing component count while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The single slider serves multiple functions by detecting resistance values at different positions along the spiral resistor body. The same slider component can detect resistance for multiple outlet modes (front, upper, lower) by being positioned at different angular locations, making it a universal detection element that replaces multiple specialized components
2Device complexity
If a single slider is used to reduce the number of components, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resistor body is configured in a spiral shape rather than a straight line, allowing the single slider to access multiple resistance detection points by rotating along the spiral path. This curved configuration enables one slider to effectively perform the work of multiple sliders positioned at different locations, maintaining detection precision while reducing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear resistor configuration to a spiral/three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows a single slider to access multiple resistance values by moving along the spiral path, effectively creating multiple detection points from one component and preventing precision loss despite component reduction
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 design simplifies the variable resistor by reducing the number of components required, enhancing accuracy and reliability in controlling outlet modes in electronic devices like vehicle air conditioners without the need for multiple sliders or complex configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate with conductive patterns and a slider system, allowing for the detection of rotation and voltage changes to determine the position of the slider
Data Source
AI summary
A variable resistor includes: a main body and a rotating part vertically separated away from each other, among which the main body includes: a substrate having a first main surface, a second main surface and a through hole vertically penetrating the first main surface and the second main surface; a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion provided on the first main surface; a resistor body connected thereto; an electrode positioned closer to the through hole than the resistor body; and a third conductive portion (i) provided on each of the second main surface and a partition wall surface for partitioning the through hole and (ii) connected to the electrode, and the rotating part includes: an opposing part rotatable in a circumferential direction; and a slider configured to conductively slide as the rotating part rotates.