Programmable Memory Coding for Vehicle Switch Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch arrangements for motor vehicle control panels lack flexibility in their coding means, limiting their ability to independently control user-defined tasks and requiring predetermined configurations.
Innovation Solution
The switch arrangement employs a programmable and reprogrammable memory module as coding means, allowing flexible assignment of functions via a non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, which can be programmed during assembly or later, enabling position-independent operation and customer-specific configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coding means (resistors, light barriers, switching mats) are used in switch arrangements, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and adaptability of the switch arrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of coding means from fixed physical implementations (resistors, light barriers, switching mats) to a programmable memory module. This allows the coding to be changed by writing different data to the memory, providing flexibility without changing the physical structure. The memory module can be programmed during assembly or later, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module serves as a universal coding means that can store different codes for different switch functions. The same memory module hardware can be programmed to provide various coding patterns, making the switch arrangement adaptable to different configurations and functions without requiring different physical coding components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If predetermined switch configurations are used, then the manufacturing and assembly process is straightforward, but the ability to customize and independently control user-defined tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module can be programmed in advance during the assembly process or even before the switch is installed in the vehicle. This preliminary programming action allows the switch to be pre-configured with the desired function codes, so that when installed, it immediately provides the intended functionality without requiring complex on-site configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch arrangement with memory module coding enables independent control of user-defined tasks. The system can store and recall specific function codes that allow users to customize and independently control various tasks, with the memory module serving the switch's configuration needs without requiring external programming equipment during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed coding implementations are maintained for different functions, then each function has dedicated hardware, but the number of variants to be stored in warehouse increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining separate hardware implementations for different switch functions, the patent uses a universal memory module that can be programmed with different codes. A single switch design with a programmable memory can replace multiple fixed-function switch variants, allowing the same physical switch to be configured for different functions by changing the memory content rather than changing the hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of code data in the memory module instead of physical copying of different switch variants. The same switch hardware can be replicated once, and then different functions are achieved by copying different code patterns into the memory, rather than manufacturing and storing multiple physical switch variants.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a switch arrangement (2) for switching and/or triggering functions, in particular for a control panel in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one switch (5) having two or more switching states and a control circuit (8) for detecting the switching state of the switch (5). The switch (5) has coding means (13) such that a preset code is assigned to the switch (5). The coding means (13) consists of a memory module. The code stored in the memory module (13) enables identification of the switch (5) and/or the function of the switch (5).