Vehicle Button Unit Pivot Linkage Reduces Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button units for electronic control apparatuses in vehicles have complex structures, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A button unit with a pivotably coupled controlling portion and an extension bar, featuring a switch and detector body that transmit electrical signals based on pivoting angles, utilizing a link element and inclined slide portions to reduce wear and complexity, allowing for a simple and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional button units use spring elasticity or rubber compressibility mechanisms, then the button operation reliability is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex spring or rubber mechanisms from the button unit structure. Instead of using traditional elastic elements, the invention uses a simple pivotable controlling portion that directly actuates the extension bar, removing unnecessary components while maintaining operational reliability through the pivot-bar linkage mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the controlling portion pivotable rather than compressible. Instead of using vertical compression motion through springs or rubber, the system uses rotational pivoting motion that directly translates to extension bar movement, simplifying the overall structure while preserving functional reliability
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional button units use spring or rubber mechanisms, then the button can return to initial position reliably, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable controlling portion utilizes gravity and the mechanical advantage of the pivot-bar linkage to automatically return to its initial position after actuation. The system is self-service in that it does not require external spring mechanisms or rubber elements to provide restoring force, thereby eliminating costly materials while maintaining reliable return-to-position functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The button unit is segmented into distinct functional components: the pivotable controlling portion, the extension bar, and the detector. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and assembled easily, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated spring or rubber 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 solution results in a button unit with a reduced manufacturing cost and a simple structure while maintaining responsiveness, as demonstrated by the ability to sense button manipulation signals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a switch which is located within a pivoting radius of the extension bar and can be pivotally rotated under the action of the extension bar
Data Source
AI summary
A button unit for an electronic control apparatus of a vehicle is disclosed. The button unit comprises a button and a detector. The button comprises a controlling portion which is pivotably coupled to a front panel of the electronic control apparatus, and an extension bar which extends from the controlling portion into the electronic control apparatus to be pivoted in a direction opposite to the pivoting direction of the controlling portion. The detector comprises a switch which is located within a pivoting radius of the extension bar and can be pivoted under the action of the extension bar, and a detector body on which the switch is pivotably installed and configured to transmit at least a electrical signal to the outside according to pivoting angles of the switch.