Integrated Vehicle Switch Apparatus Ground Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch apparatuses for vehicles face issues with overcurrent causing contact carburization, leading to complex and costly replacements, especially in older vehicles without relays, requiring frequent replacement of switches and complicated wire assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A switch apparatus with an integral switch and relay form, featuring a conductive ground circuit and clamping bar to eliminate the need for a separate relay and simplify replacements by forming a ground circuit within the apparatus, reducing the requirement for additional parts and wire assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay is mounted to a junction box to prevent overcurrent, then overcurrent protection is improved, but device complexity and replacement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the relay and switch into a single integrated unit called a switch apparatus. The relay board is mounted within the switch body, and the ground member serves both the switch and relay functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate relay mounting in the junction box and simplifies replacement to a single unit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and replacement complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate relay and wire assembly are used, then overcurrent protection is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the relay board, ground member, and switch body into a single manufactured unit. The relay board includes mounting protrusions that fit into the switch body, and the ground member provides grounding for both components. This integration reduces manufacturing steps, eliminates separate wire assemblies, and lowers overall production cost while maintaining overcurrent protection functionality.
3Ease of repair
If an integral switch and relay form is used, then replacement simplicity is improved, but internal structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating the relay and switch externally, the patent segments the internal structure into distinct functional modules: the switch body, relay board with coil part and contact parts, and ground member with clamping bar. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing and easy assembly/disassembly, enabling simple replacement of the entire unit while maintaining manageable internal complexity through modular design.
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 design allows for easy maintenance and cost-effective replacement of parts, eliminating the need for a separate relay and wire assemblies, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive ground member having a base provided at a lower portion in an internal space of the switch body to be coupled to an upper end of the coupling section, and a clamping bar extending upwards from one side of the base to be coupled to a ground terminal provided at a lower end of the relay board
Data Source
AI summary
A switch apparatus may include a switch body to which a connector of an electronic unit is connected and in which a relay board is provided, a conductive coupling section provided at a lower end of the switch body to be coupled to a vehicle body, and a conductive ground member having a base provided at a lower portion in an internal space of the switch body to be coupled to an upper end of the coupling section, and a clamping bar extending upwards from one side of the base to be coupled to a ground terminal provided at a lower end of the relay board.