Vehicle Input Device Operation Knob Retention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power seat switch apparatuses for vehicles often cause the operation knob to come off the driving shaft when operated without proper support, leading to a compromised user experience due to either loose or overly tight fitting, which affects smooth movement and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The input device incorporates an operation shaft with a bearing portion and elastic support pieces that deform to securely support the operation knob, preventing it from coming off while allowing smooth movement, with features like recess-projection fitting and hook-engaging grooves for enhanced stability and return functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the operation knob is tightly fitted on the driving shaft to prevent it from coming off, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operation knob cannot be smoothly moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of operation knob detachmentVSAvoidsmooth movement of operation knob

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the operation knob and driving shaft is segmented into two functional zones: a loose-fit bearing portion that enables smooth movement, and a separate retaining structure (protrusions and grooves) that prevents detachment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing portion acts as an intermediary element between the operation knob and driving shaft. It provides a loose-fit connection that facilitates smooth movement while the retaining protrusions and grooves serve as intermediary locking features that prevent detachment without interfering with the smooth movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the operation knob is loosely fitted to allow smooth movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the operation knob may come off from the driving shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth movement of operation knobVSAvoidprevention of operation knob detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into a loose-fit bearing portion for smooth movement and a separate retaining mechanism with protrusions and grooves for prevention of detachment. This allows the knob to move smoothly while remaining securely attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining protrusions and grooves are designed in advance to prevent the operation knob from coming off before it can happen. This preemptive retention structure ensures that even with loose fitting for smooth movement, the knob cannot detach during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a retaining structure is added to prevent the operation knob from coming off, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of operation knob detachmentVSAvoidstructural complexity of connection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining structure is merged with the bearing portion to form an integrated connection mechanism. The protrusions and grooves are incorporated into the existing bearing structure, eliminating the need for separate retaining components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing portion serves multiple functions: it provides a loose-fit connection for smooth movement, contains retaining protrusions for prevention of detachment, and integrates the retaining structure without requiring additional components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures the operation knob can be moved smoothly and securely, preventing it from detaching from the shaft, improving user experience and reliability by providing stable support and automatic return to the original position.

Implementation Method 1

a case main body provided with at least one elastic support piece deforming following the movement of the operation knob and elastically supporting the operation knob

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3312048B1Input device

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

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AI summary

An input device has operation shafts (10, 13) whose tips are projected through a first elongate hole (17) and a second elongate hole (18) formed through an upper plate portion (16) of a case main body (6) and that are movable along the upper plate portion (16) of the case main body (6). An operation knob (5) is movably attached to the tips of the operation shafts (10, 13). The case main body (6) is provided with elastic support pieces (24, 25) that deform following the movement of the operation knob (5) and elastically support the operation knob (5).