Vehicle Push-Button Switch Labyrinth Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button switch devices for vehicles face challenges in preventing water ingress at the junction of the upper and lower case members, compromising waterproofness.
Innovation Solution
A push-button switch device design featuring a labyrinth passage between the case members, a waterproof seal overlapping the abutment part, an inclined extending portion with a guide rib and opening for water discharge, and a canopy part covering the air vent hole to guide water away from the interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple case structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but waterproofness deteriorates due to water entry at case junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a labyrinth passage with bent up and down configuration between the first and second case members. This curved, non-linear passage design increases the path length and complexity for water to traverse, effectively suppressing water entry into the case while maintaining a relatively simple overall case structure that is easy to manufacture.
2Device complexity
If the case structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but waterproofness deteriorates due to water entry at case junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The labyrinth passage with bent up and down configuration provides an effective waterproof barrier without requiring complex multi-component structures. This curved passage design achieves superior waterproofness while keeping the case structure relatively simple and integrated, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and waterproofness.
3Reliability
If water discharge paths are added, then waterproofness is improved by removing entered water, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the water discharge function into the existing case structure by forming discharge openings directly in the first case member and using the labyrinth passage itself as the water removal mechanism. This merging of waterproofing and water discharge functions into a single integrated structure achieves effective water management without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a push-button switch device for a vehicle including a first case member fixed to a vehicle body or a lid openably and closably mounted on the vehicle body, a second case member mounted on the first case member forming a case together with the first case member, a push-button supported on the case configured for a pushing operation, and a switch housed in and fixed to the case in a state in which waterproofness is ensured while a switching mode thereof is changed in response to a pushing operation of the push-button, the entrance of water into the case is suppressed as far as possible. A labyrinth passage bent up and down is formed between the first and second case members further inside than an abutment part formed by mutual abutment of at least upper edges among peripheral edges of the first and second case members.