Branched Plate Spring Switch Structure for Impact-Resistant Timepieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, particularly in electronic timepieces, are susceptible to damage and malfunction due to unintended impacts that cause sudden pushbutton switch activation, which can deform the plate spring and affect internal components.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a first plate spring extending in a first direction with a second plate spring branching off and extending beyond its tip, forming an L-shape to overlap the substrate, allowing the second plate spring to contact an electrode without directly contacting the substrate, thereby dispersing impact and maintaining electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plate spring is lengthened to absorb impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plate spring is divided into two distinct segments: a first plate spring extending from the fixed end to absorb impact, and a second plate spring branching off to contact the electrode. This segmentation allows each segment to have optimized functions - the first for impact absorption and the second for electrical contact - thereby improving impact resistance without requiring a single overly complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The second plate spring extends in a direction different from the first plate spring, creating a two-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the electrical contact function to be achieved in a direction perpendicular to the main impact absorption path, enabling compact space utilization while maintaining both impact resistance and operational functionality
2Reliability
If the plate spring is lengthened to absorb impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but the available space within the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second plate spring branches off in a direction different from the first plate spring's extension, utilizing vertical or lateral space rather than extending linearly. This dimensional transition allows the structure to achieve extended impact absorption capability while maintaining compact footprint within the device's internal space
Solution Approach 2:
The plate spring structure implements different functional qualities in different regions: the first plate spring region is optimized for impact absorption, while the second plate spring region is optimized for electrical contact. This local differentiation allows each region to be minimized in size for its specific function, reducing overall space requirements
3Reliability
If additional protective features are added to prevent unintended activation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact function is extracted from the main impact absorption path by using a separate second plate spring that branches off. This extraction ensures that impact forces must deform the plate spring structure to reach the electrode, providing inherent protection against unintended activation without requiring additional protective components
Solution Approach 2:
The second plate spring serves multiple functions: it provides the electrical contact path for pushbutton operation and simultaneously acts as a protective barrier that must be deformed by sufficient force to activate the electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective features, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
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 configuration enhances impact resistance by reducing stress on the first plate spring and ensuring stable electrical connection, minimizing damage to internal components and maintaining device functionality even under excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft of a pushbutton switch pushes and deforms a conductive plate spring when the pushbutton switch is pushed
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first plate spring, a second plate spring and a substrate. The first plate spring extends in a first direction from a fixed end. The second plate spring branches off from the first plate spring and extends in the first direction beyond a tip of the first plate spring in the first direction. The substrate has an electrode that contacts the second plate spring accompanied by the first plate spring being pushed by a pushbutton switch being pushed. The substrate does not contact the first plate spring. The second plate spring has a tip part. In a plan view in a push direction of the switch, the tip part extends, at a point beyond the tip of the first plate spring, in a second direction different from the first direction to overlap the substrate. The tip part contacts the electrode by the switch being pushed.