Vehicle Switch Housing with Movable Section for Sealed Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for vehicles face challenges in compact design and effective sealing, particularly on the outside, where environmental factors like moisture pose issues, and there is a need for improved actuation options that protect electrical switching means from external influences.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a housing unit comprising two sections, where the second section is movable relative to the first, allowing the switching element to be protected within a fluid-tight interior, and utilizing a flexible cabling system and electromagnetic sensor units for compact and reliable operation, with a spring element and deformation region for automatic return to the rest position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuating device is designed to be compact and flat, then the device complexity is reduced and mounting space is minimized, but sealing the electrical switch from environmental influences becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing section and a second housing section that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the switching element to be positioned in the movable second section, enabling compact overall dimensions while maintaining effective sealing through the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element is arranged on the movable second housing section, which is nested within or adjacent to the first housing section. This nesting arrangement allows the switching element to be protected within the housing structure while maintaining a compact flat profile, eliminating the need for additional external metal parts.
2Ease of operation
If the switching element is arranged on the movable second housing section, then the actuating capability is improved and compact design is enabled, but the complexity of ensuring fluid-tight connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second housing sections are merged through a fluid-tight connecting region that integrates the movable and fixed portions. This connection structure combines the benefits of movable actuation with reliable sealing, allowing the switching element to be actuated while maintaining protection from environmental influences.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting region serves multiple functions: it provides fluid-tight sealing between the first and second housing sections, allows relative movement of the second section, and supports the switching element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
3Reliability
If additional metal parts are integrated into the movable housing section for electromagnetic switching, then the switching function is enabled, but the device complexity and actuating force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is extracted from the fixed housing and integrated into the movable second housing section. This extraction eliminates the need for additional metal parts in the movable section, as the switching element itself is actuated directly by the movement of the second housing section, reducing component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the switching element fixed and actuating it through a movable part, the switching element is placed on the movable part and actuated by its movement. This inversion simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms and additional metal components.
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 enables a compact, reliable, and protected actuation device that can be mounted on various vehicle parts, improving sealing and reducing the complexity of components while ensuring efficient actuation and protection from environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element and deformation region for automatic return to the rest position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a flexible cabling system and electromagnetic sensor units for compact and reliable operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation device (3) for installing on a vehicle part (2), in particular in the form of a door or a hatch, having an electric switch means (30) with at least one switch element (31) for initiating a vehicle function and having a housing unit (10) with at least one first and second housing section (11, 12), wherein the second housing section (12) can be moved from a rest position (I) into an actuation position (II) at least in some regions relative to the first housing section (11) in order to actuate the switch element (31). The invention additionally relates to a vehicle (1) and to an actuation method (100).