Bellows Spring Switch Reduces Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-profile switches require a coil spring and an additional movable contact spring, increasing the number of components and assembly time, limiting design flexibility and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile switch design featuring a bellows-shaped spring body with repetitive reference form units, eliminating the need for a coil spring and additional movable contacts, and allowing for flexible fixed contact placement, enabling reduced component count and assembly hours while maintaining smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil spring and movable contact spring are used in the switch, then the switch can achieve contact switching function, but the number of components increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring body and movable contact into a single integrated component. The bellows-shaped spring body inherently provides both the spring function and the movable contact function, eliminating the need for separate movable contact springs and reducing the total component count while maintaining reliable contact switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides elastic force for contact closure, serves as the movable contact element, and enables mechanical movement. This multi-functional design reduces component complexity while ensuring reliable switch operation.
2Reliability
If a coil spring and movable contact spring are used in the switch, then the switch can achieve contact switching function, but assembly man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the spring body and movable contact into one component, the assembly process is simplified. Fewer parts mean fewer assembly steps and reduced assembly time, while the integrated design ensures proper alignment and function without requiring additional assembly operations.
3Device complexity
If fixed contact is disposed only in specific positions, then the switch structure is simple, but design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fixed contact configuration dynamic and adaptable. The spring body can engage with fixed contacts at different positions depending on the switching state, allowing the same basic structure to accommodate various contact arrangements (single-pole single-throw, single-pole double-throw, etc.) without requiring fundamentally different designs.
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 bellows-shaped spring body provides both spring and contact functions, reducing component count and assembly time, enhancing design flexibility, and ensuring smooth operation with desired contact pressure and feel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring body (20) having a bellows shape in which a reference form unit (23) is repetitively formed
Data Source
AI summary
A switch has a base comprising a flat circular recess formed on an upper surface thereof, a fixed contact disposed in an inner surface of the flat circular recess, a spring body that has a bellows shape in which a reference form unit is repetitively formed, the spring body being annularly disposed in the flat circular recess of the base, an operating body that has a turning unit fitted turnably in the flat circular recess of the base, and an operating projection provided in an inward surface of the turning unit. When the operating body is turned, the operating projection presses an end portion of the spring body to compress the spring body, which allows a contact to be switched.