Vehicle Push Slide Switch Pivot Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control devices with pressure switches require a large installation space and are either not compact enough or lack mechanical stability due to their height, making them unsuitable for vehicles with limited space behind the user interface.
Innovation Solution
A pivotably mounted operating element with a rotary bearing, allowing the control device to be constructed with a low overall depth and enhanced stability, combined with a sliding switch mechanism that includes a detection device for multifunctionality, and blocking means to prevent simultaneous execution of functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure switch with fluid transmission means is used, then the switching function is achieved, but the overall height and installation space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fluid transmission means from the pressure switch design. Instead of using fluid-filled chambers and diaphragms, the invention employs a direct mechanical pivot mounting where the operating element is pivotably connected to the carrier part, achieving the switching function through pure mechanical motion without requiring space-consuming fluid transmission components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex fluid-based mechanical system with a simpler direct mechanical pivot system. The operating element's pressing motion directly pivots the operating element about a pivot axis, which in turn actuates the electronic switching element, eliminating the need for fluid pressure transmission while maintaining reliable switching functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If the overall height is reduced for compactness, then space efficiency improves, but mechanical stability and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the height of the entire assembly and risking instability, the patent inverts the approach by making the operating element itself pivotable about a pivot axis. This inversion allows the operating element to achieve the necessary mechanical stability through its pivot mounting while maintaining a compact overall height, as the stability is generated within the reduced space rather than requiring extended height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic motion through the pivotable mounting of the operating element. The operating element can pivot about a pivot axis during actuation, providing the necessary mechanical degrees of freedom for stable operation. This dynamic capability allows the compact design to maintain robustness by enabling controlled motion within the limited space, rather than relying on fixed, height-dependent structures.
3Device complexity
If a single operating element is used for both sliding and pressing functions, then device complexity is reduced, but function blocking and interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single operating element that serves multiple functions: it can be pressed perpendicular to the user interface to trigger a first function, and it can be slid parallel to the user interface to trigger a second function. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by consolidating what would traditionally require separate control elements, while the pivotable mounting enables reliable execution of both functions through distinct motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic motion control to prevent function interference. The operating element's pivotable mounting about a pivot axis creates distinct motion trajectories for pressing and sliding operations. When the operating element is pressed, the pivot mechanism naturally constrains sliding motion; conversely, when slid, the mechanism prevents pressing motion. This dynamic constraint system ensures reliable function execution without requiring complex blocking 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
The solution results in a compact, robust, and space-efficient operating device that can be used in vehicles, particularly in areas like center consoles, with effective haptic feedback and precise function blocking, ensuring reliable operation without excessive space usage.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure function of the operating element is consequently realized by a pivot bearing or rotary bearing, so that when the operating element is pressed from the initial position into the actuating position, the same operating element is pivoted about a pivot axis on the carrier part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The device (1) has a control element (2) or slide switch that is actuatable by an operator, which is pressable from an original position into an operating position. An electronic shift unit is actuatable through pressures of the control element. The control element is swingably supported at a carrier part. The control element is pivotable around a pivotal axis (17) when the element is pushed from the original position into the operating position. The control element is displaceably supported at a rocker part (11).