Actuating Arms Maintain Upper Panel Parallelism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for electronic apparatuses fail to maintain the upper panel parallel to its horizontal plane when the control action is applied at varying positions, leading to uneven force transmission and incorrect orientation.
Innovation Solution
The control device incorporates at least two arms with a first end bearing vertically upwards on the upper panel, a second end bearing on the switch, and an intermediate portion pivoting about a horizontal axis on the armature, ensuring the upper panel remains parallel during vertical movement by distributing the force uniformly across the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuating arm is used to actuate the switch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the upper panel cannot be maintained parallel to the horizontal plane when control action is applied at varying positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuating arm is divided into multiple actuating arms (at least two) that are articulated to the upper panel and armature. Each arm independently transmits force, allowing the system to maintain balance and parallel orientation regardless of where on the panel the control action is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuating arms are combined to work together in unison, with each arm contributing to the overall force transmission. The arms are positioned and articulated to cooperate with each other, ensuring that the upper panel remains parallel to the horizontal plane during actuation.
2Ease of operation
If articulations with operating play are used to allow relative movement of components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the upper panel is not correctly maintained in horizontal orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The articulations are designed with controlled operating play that allows necessary relative movement between components during actuation. The geometry and positioning of the arms ensure that this dynamic movement does not compromise the horizontal orientation of the upper panel, as the arms work together to maintain balance.
3Manufacturing precision
If arms are connected to the upper panel at intermediate positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the upper panel tilts when control action is applied near the peripheral edge
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the center of the upper panel, with at least one arm connected near the peripheral edge. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the articulated design, allows the arms to work together in a balanced manner that prevents tilting regardless of where the control action is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of tilting is solved by adding the dimension of multiple arms working in three-dimensional space. The arms are articulated at different positions and angles, allowing them to compensate for each other and maintain horizontal orientation through coordinated movement rather than relying solely on symmetric two-dimensional positioning.
4Ease of manufacture
If operating play is necessary for articulations, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the force transmission to the switch becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented into multiple independent arms, each with its own articulation. The operating play in each articulation is designed to be consistent, and the arms are positioned to distribute the control action force uniformly across all arms, ensuring equal force transmission to the switch despite the presence of operating play.
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 ensures consistent and uniform force transmission to the switch regardless of the control action's position, maintaining the upper panel's horizontal orientation and enhancing the reliability of control actions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two arms for actuating the switch, each arm comprising a first end which bears vertically upwards on a lower face of the upper panel, a second end which bears on the switch, and an intermediate portion which bears vertically downwards on an upper face of the armature and around which portion each arm can pivot about a horizontal geometric pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling an electronic apparatus, comprising: a generally flat upper panel; a lower armature of a support with respect to which armature the upper panel can move in a generally vertically downward movement; a switch; and at least two arms for actuating the switch, each arm comprising a first end which bears on the upper panel, a second end which bears on the switch, and an intermediate portion which bears on the armature, in which the arms cooperate with the upper panel and the armature in order to keep the upper panel parallel to a horizontal plane during its vertical movement with respect to the armature.