Motor Vehicle Operating Device Acoustic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for motor vehicles produce dull acoustic feedback when an operating button is actuated, as the pronounced click noise from microswitches is not sufficiently loud without requiring additional sound-producing elements like loudspeakers.
Innovation Solution
The operating device incorporates a printed circuit board mechanically coupled to the casing via support elements, which stabilizes against vibrations and enhances the loudness of the clicking sound by using hard, acoustically rigid materials and a rocker mechanism to minimize sound dissipation, allowing the sound to be emitted as airborne noise without additional sound-producing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microswitch is used as the switching element, then the switching function is reliable, but the acoustic feedback is too dull and not sufficiently loud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustic resonator as an intermediary component between the microswitch and the passenger compartment. The resonator is acoustically coupled to the microswitch housing and resonates at a frequency between 500 Hz and 2000 Hz, amplifying the switching sound and transforming the dull microswitch click into a clear, audible operating noise without compromising the reliable switching function.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If additional sound-producing elements like loudspeakers are added, then the operating noise becomes loud and clear, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the microswitch housing itself to serve as the acoustic resonator. By designing the housing with specific geometric parameters (volume between 1 cm³ and 100 cm³, and at least one dimension between 1 cm and 10 cm) and acoustic coupling to the microswitch, the housing automatically resonates at the desired frequency range, eliminating the need for separate loudspeakers or additional sound-producing elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the printed circuit board is rigidly mounted to the casing, then structural stability is improved, but the acoustic feedback is dampened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mounting characteristics to different regions of the printed circuit board. While the PCB is mechanically coupled to the casing for overall structural stability, the microswitch housing is acoustically decoupled from the PCB using damping elements or air gaps in the immediate vicinity of the microswitch. This local acoustic isolation allows the microswitch to produce clear operating noises without compromising the global structural stability of the device.
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 solution produces a clear, loud operating noise in the passenger compartment without additional sound-producing elements, ensuring effective user feedback with enhanced sound quality and reduced vibration, making the operating noise more audible and distinct.
Implementation Method 1
the switching element that is switched by the actuation of the operating button to itself produce airborne sound, for example a clicking sound
Implementation Method 2
The switching element radiates this sound into its surroundings. In other words, a clicking or cracking of the switching element is output into the casing as airborne sound
Implementation Method 3
The support element is designed to stabilize the printed circuit board against a vibration or a tremor that is produced by the switching element when producing the sound
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device includes a casing, an operating button arranged at the casing for the manual actuation of the operating device, and a printed circuit board that is arranged in the casing. A switching element is mechanically coupled to the operating button and arranged on the printed circuit board. The switching element produces a pronounced sound when the operating button is actuated. To this end, next to the switching element, the printed circuit board is mechanically connected to the casing by at least one support element and each support element is designed to stabilize the printed circuit board against a tremor that is produced by the switching element when producing the sound.