Vehicle Operating Device Actuator Tilt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating devices for vehicles, such as power seat switches, often experience rattling or increased friction due to manufacturing variances, leading to an unsatisfactory smooth and direct manipulation feel.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a control knob pivotally supported by a shaft, with an actuator featuring a spherical portion that tilts upon rotation or sliding, allowing arms to depress switches, and a holder with accommodating portions that guide the arms to prevent interference and twisting, ensuring a smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If there is a space between members (control knob and actuator) connected to each other, then manufacturing variances are tolerable, but rattling occurs between members
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical portion acts as an intermediary element between the control knob and actuator. It is received by the curved portion that guides its movement, mediating the connection between members to eliminate rattling while accommodating manufacturing variances through the guided spherical motion.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the space between members connected to each other is entirely removed, then rattling is prevented, but frictional resistance increases and twisting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical portion and its receiving curved portion create a curved guiding path that allows smooth motion. The spherical geometry enables the actuator to tilt and move along the curved surface without rigid constraints, reducing friction and preventing twisting while maintaining connection stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator is rigidly connected to the control knob, then positional differences are eliminated, but twisting occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between control knob and actuator is made dynamic through the spherical portion moving along the curved portion. This dynamic connection allows the actuator to adjust its position and orientation during operation, accommodating manufacturing variances and preventing twisting while maintaining functional alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device includes a control knob, an actuator, a first switch, a second switch, and a holder. An accommodating space of the holder is defined by a first accommodating portion extending in a first direction. A first arm is accommodated in a first accommodating portion. A second arm is accommodated in a second accommodating portion. The first arm or the first accommodating portion includes an allowance portion that allows for tilting of the actuator in the second direction, without interference between the first arm and the first accommodating portion. The second arm or the second accommodating portion includes an allowance portion that allows for tilting of the actuator in the first direction, without interference between the second arm and the second accommodating portion.