Cam Push-Rod Switch Layout With Inline Spring Damper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical operating devices lack a compact configuration.

Innovation Solution

An electrical operating device comprising a cam shaft, a swingable cam, a push rod displaced by the cam, a coil spring opposing the push direction, and a damper assembly located on the coil spring's center line, with the damper assembly sharing an accommodating chamber with the coil spring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate accommodating chambers are used for coil spring and damper assembly, then each component can be independently maintained, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent maintenance capabilityVSAvoidDevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coil spring and damper assembly into a single accommodating chamber, eliminating the need for separate chambers. This merging reduces the overall device volume while maintaining both components' functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between compact size and independent maintenance capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single accommodating chamber serves multiple functions: housing both the coil spring and damper assembly, providing maintenance access for both components, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functional design allows one chamber to replace what would traditionally require two separate chambers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComponent optimizationVSAvoidNumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coil spring and damper assembly into a single accommodating chamber, reducing the total component count from what would traditionally be required (separate chambers, separate mounting structures) to a more integrated configuration. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each component's performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If compact design is achieved through integration, then device size is reduced, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice sizeVSAvoidAssembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated chamber design into modular components that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. The accommodating chamber is designed with features that allow the coil spring and damper assembly to be installed in discrete steps, making the compact integrated design easier to manufacture and assemble

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device achieves a compact design, improved assemblability, and enhanced durability by integrating the damper assembly with the coil spring, reducing component count and simplifying the structure.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring that urges the push rod in a direction opposite to the push direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a damper assembly including a movable portion that is displaced together with the push rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4692978A1Electric operation device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP4692978A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692978A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692978A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical operating device for outputting an electrical signal corresponding to an operation performed with an operating tool, the electrical operating device including: a cam shaft; a cam to which the operating tool is mounted and that is swingable about the cam shaft; a push rod that is displaced in a push direction as a result of being pushed by the cam; a coil spring that urges the push rod in a direction opposite to the push direction; and a damper assembly including a movable portion that is displaced together with the push rod, the damper assembly being located on a center line of the coil spring, the center line extending in an urging direction of the coil spring.