Vehicle Panel Buttons With Single-Drive Pop-Up Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of buttons in vehicles complicates user operation and degrades the aesthetic quality of the interior, leading to potential errors and clutter.
Innovation Solution
An operation apparatus with a panel and two operation modules that can move between positions, using a common drive source to make buttons appear and disappear, with a sensor and control unit to manage their visibility and functionality based on user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is increased to provide more vehicle functions, then the functionality and versatility of the vehicle is improved, but the complexity of operation and the cluttered appearance of the interior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button is designed to dynamically change its position between a first position (protruding from the panel) and a second position (recessed into the panel). The driving unit moves the button between these positions based on operation signals, allowing the button to appear when needed and disappear when not in use, thus maintaining ease of operation while providing multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
A single button structure is used to provide multiple vehicle functions by changing its position. The same button can serve different functions when moved between the first and second positions, eliminating the need for multiple separate buttons and reducing operational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons is increased to provide more vehicle functions, then the versatility of the vehicle is improved, but the aesthetic quality of the interior is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The button dynamically transitions between protruding and recessed states. When not in use, the button is moved to the second position where it is recessed into the panel, creating a flush surface that improves the aesthetic appearance of the interior. When needed, it moves to the first position to be visible and operable
Solution Approach 2:
The button is extracted from the panel surface when not in use by moving it to the second recessed position. This extraction allows the panel surface to remain clean and uncluttered, improving aesthetic quality while the button remains accessible when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are provided for different functions, then the versatility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple button functions are merged into a single button structure. The same button body and actuating mechanism are used for different functions by simply changing the button's position between the first and second positions, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
A universal button mechanism is designed that can perform multiple functions. The driving unit and contact block structure remain the same, but the button's position changes to activate different functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate button 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
Enhances button visibility, simplifies the mechanism for appearing/disappearing buttons, reduces the number of buttons needed, and improves the vehicle's interior design by allowing different functions based on button position.
Implementation Method 1
a second elastic member interposed between the second operation module and the rear surface of the panel to give an elastic force to the second operation module
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an operation apparatus for a vehicle that enables an appearing/disappearing of a button on a panel of a vehicle using a simplified mechanism. The operation apparatus includes: a first operation module and a second operation module, each capable of moving between a first position and a second position through an opening of a panel, and a drive unit for moving a selected one of the first operation module and the second operation module by using a single drive source.