Bent Plate Spring Switch Structure for Shock-Resistant Timepieces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as electronic timepieces, suffer from irreversible deformation of plate springs due to excessive impacts, such as dropping, leading to operational failures in pushbutton switches.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plate spring with a first bend between the first point and second end, and optionally a second bend, where the directions from the bend to the second end and from the first point to the bend are opposite, extending the length between these points, reducing the likelihood of plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight plate spring is used in a pushbutton switch, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the plate spring is susceptible to irreversible plastic deformation under excessive impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by introducing bends (first bend and second bend) into the plate spring structure. These bends create a zigzag configuration that increases the effective length and provides elastic deformation capacity, allowing the plate spring to absorb impact energy reversibly without plastic deformation, thus improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If the plate spring is made longer to reduce deformation, then shock resistance improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a straight one-dimensional plate spring to a two-dimensional zigzag configuration with bends. This dimensional change allows the plate spring to achieve greater effective length within a compact footprint, improving shock resistance without proportionally increasing the overall device size
3Device complexity
If a simple straight plate spring structure is used, then device complexity is low, but the pushbutton switch fails under impact due to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bends into the plate spring to create a zigzag structure that provides elastic deformation capacity. This structural modification maintains relative simplicity while dramatically improving reliability by preventing plastic deformation under impact, allowing the pushbutton switch to withstand excessive force without failure
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 enhances shock resistance and maintains reliable operation of pushbutton switches, even under impact, by minimizing plastic deformation and ensuring stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the plate spring is unlikely to be deformed in a permanent manner even when a press operation is not performed on the pushbutton switch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A module (1) includes a plate spring (11) and a substrate (20). The plate spring (11) includes a fixed first end (E1) and extends from the first end (E1) in a first direction (X). The substrate (20) includes an electrode (21) that contacts a second end (E2) of the plate spring (11) opposite the first end (E1) in response to a first point (P) of the plate spring (11) being pressed by a pushbutton switch (Sw) being pressed and does not contact the second end (E2) in response to the first point (P) being not pressed. The plate spring (11) further includes a first bend (B1) between the first point (P) and the second end (E2). A direction from the first bend (B1) to the second end (E2) and a direction from the first point (P) to the first bend (B1) are opposite in a component along the first direction (X).