Multi-position Switch Assembly for Vehicle Display Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-position switches for vehicle display systems are complex and prone to inadvertent inputs due to combined slidable and rotatable actions, compromising operability and safety by potentially causing unintended operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position switch assembly with a housing, a first holder for rotational and pivotal movement, and a second holder that is rotationally fixed but pivotable, featuring a pushbutton and detectors to differentiate between rotational and pivotal movements, preventing simultaneous actions and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece operating member is used for both sliding and rotating actions, then device complexity is reduced, but inadvertent inputs occur causing operability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is divided into two separate components: a rotatable member for rotation operation and a slide member for sliding operation. The slide member includes a sliding portion that can move linearly and a pressing portion that presses a pressing switch. This segmentation prevents inadvertent inputs by ensuring that rotation and sliding operations are performed by independent members, thereby improving operability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a multi-position switch is added to reduce look-down time, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a compact multi-position switch assembly that includes both rotatable and slide members within a single housing. The rotatable member and slide member are integrated in space, allowing the system to provide both rotation-based cursor movement and sliding-based selection functions in one unified structure. This reduces the overall complexity compared to separate controls while maintaining safety improvements through reduced look-down time.
3Ease of operation
If separate members are used for rotation and sliding operations, then inadvertent inputs are prevented improving operability, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member is positioned within the housing in such a way that it is nested among the rotatable member and other components. The sliding portion of the slide member can move linearly within the housing space, and the pressing portion interacts with the pressing switch. This nesting arrangement allows separate rotation and sliding members to coexist in a compact configuration, improving operability by preventing inadvertent inputs while minimizing the increase in device complexity through efficient spatial utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-position switch assembly includes a housing, a first holder configured for both rotational and pivotal movement, and a second holder received in the first holder. In a pivoted position, first engagement members of the housing engage second engagement members of the first holder to prevent rotation of the first holder. The second holder is rotationally fixed and is pivotable with the first holder. The second holder supports the first holder but is not directly connected to the first holder. A pushbutton extends through the second holder, is fixed against rotation and is movable linearly relative to the second holder. A detector is adapted to detect rotation of the first holder. A first input device is actuated by pivotal movement of the second holder. The first holder is spaced from and does not contact the first input device. A second input device is actuated by linear movement of the pushbutton.