Axial Positioning in Electrical Tactile Switch Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switches with elastic actuating bodies lack precise control over the vertical dimension of the free end section, affecting the tactile feedback and reliability of the switching mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An electric switch design featuring a casing made of insulating material with a lower base and upper cover, incorporating a single-piece actuating body with a central and peripheral part, and a movable electrical contact, where the upper portion of the actuating body has a stop surface that cooperates with an internal retaining surface to determine its rest position, allowing for precise vertical control and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the actuating body is made of elastic material without a stop surface, then the switch can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the vertical dimension of the free end section cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating body's own elastic deformation characteristics are utilized to provide the stop surface function. The free end section naturally deflects under actuating force, and the elastic material properties themselves create the positioning mechanism without requiring separate stop components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical dimension control is achieved by precisely controlling the elastic material parameters and geometric dimensions during manufacturing. The free end section length, material elasticity, and cross-sectional dimensions are optimized to provide the required stroke and tactile feedback characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actuating body uses a complex positioning mechanism for precise vertical control, then manufacturing precision improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating body is constructed as a flexible elastic component that integrates both structural support and positioning functions. The elastic material allows the component to flex during actuation while maintaining precise dimensional control through its geometric design and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating body is divided into functional sections: a support portion that remains relatively stable, a deformable intermediate section that provides elastic deformation, and a free end section that delivers precise vertical movement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the free end section length is increased for better tactile feedback, then the tactile effect improves, but the reliability of electrical contact may deteriorate due to increased play
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating body is designed to dynamically adapt its stiffness characteristics during actuation. The elastic material and geometric design allow the component to be compliant during the actuation stroke for tactile feedback, then maintain stable positioning when at rest to ensure reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation of the free end section provides mechanical feedback to the user during actuation, while the inherent elasticity ensures that the component returns to a precise rest position, maintaining reliable electrical contact without excessive 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
The design provides precise control over the vertical dimension of the actuating body, enhancing tactile feedback and reliability by ensuring consistent actuation and electrical contact, while maintaining structural rigidity and resistance to overload.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable movable electrical contact which is arranged above said surface of the base
Implementation Method 2
the upper portion of the central part of the actuating body has a stop surface which cooperates with said internal retaining surface, towards which it is elastically biased, to determine an upper rest position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an axially actuating tactile electrical switch comprising a casing; a plurality of independent fixed electrical contacts arranged in a base of the casing, and a movable electrical contact comprising a peripheral portion resting on a portion of a fixed peripheral electrical contact and a central portion movable vertically downwards; a single piece actuating body made of elastic material comprising a peripheral portion, an actuating central part comprising a lower portion for actuating the movable electrical contact, and an upper portion for receiving an actuating force, forming a casing comprising an upper cover having a hole whereby a free upper end section of the upper portion extends axially; the cover has an internal retaining surface; and the actuating body has an abutment surface cooperating with the internal retaining surface of the cover to determine an upper rest position of the actuating body with respect to the casing.