Changeover Switch With Independent Sliding Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changeover switches with rocking control members have issues such as high axial volume, misalignment of buttons leading to an unpleasant appearance, increased kinematic inertia, and difficulty in accurately transitioning to the central angular position due to varying manual pressure requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular changeover switch design featuring independent sliding side buttons with elastic return elements, a rocking control member, and a central button that allows for precise rotation of the rocking switching member between three stable angular positions without direct mechanical constraints, optimizing space and alignment while reducing inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the changeover switch uses a rocking control member with two sliding buttons mechanically coupled to the rocking switching member, then the switch can achieve three stable angular positions for controlling electrical circuits, but the axial volume of the switch becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into two independent sliding buttons (3a, 3b) that can move independently along their respective sliding axes (A-A, B-B), rather than being rigidly coupled. This segmentation allows each button to operate independently, reducing the overall axial volume while maintaining the three stable angular positions of the rocking switching member (6).
Solution Approach 2:
The two sliding buttons slide along different axes (A-A and B-B) that are not collinear, introducing a dimensional change from a single-axis operation to a multi-axis operation. This allows the control mechanism to achieve the same functional result (three stable positions) with a more compact axial volume by utilizing spatial distribution of the sliding directions.
2Ease of operation
If the two sliding buttons are mechanically coupled to the rocking switching member, then the switch can be operated to rotate the rocking switching member, but the buttons become misaligned causing an unpleasant appearance and increased kinematic inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling between the two sliding buttons and the rocking switching member is segmented into independent connections. Each button (3a, 3b) is independently coupled to the rocking switching member (6) through its own sliding axis, allowing them to move independently without forcing misalignment on the other button. This eliminates the appearance issue while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a rigid mechanical coupling that enforces synchronized movement to a dynamic independent sliding mechanism. The buttons can slide independently along their respective axes and only interact with the rocking switching member during the actuation process, allowing them to maintain alignment in their resting positions while still enabling effective operation.
3Ease of operation
If the sliding buttons are mechanically coupled to the rocking switching member, then the switch can be actuated, but the overall inertia of the kinematic mechanism increases making operation harder
Solution Approach 1:
The kinematic mechanism is segmented into independent sliding button assemblies, each with its own sliding axis. This segmentation reduces the overall inertia because each button operates independently with its own smaller mass moment of inertia, rather than being part of a larger coupled mechanism. The total inertia becomes the sum of individual inertias rather than a coupled system inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing the sliding axes in different dimensions (axes A-A and B-B), the patent reduces the concentrated mass movement in a single direction. This dimensional distribution reduces the overall kinematic inertia perceived during operation, making the switch easier to actuate while maintaining full functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the rocking switching member is operated by sliding buttons, then the switch can be controlled, but varying manual pressure is required to accurately transition to the central angular position
Solution Approach 1:
The control is segmented into two independent sliding buttons that can be operated separately. This allows the user to apply precise, controlled pressure to each button independently, making it easier to accurately position the rocking switching member in the central angular position without the varying pressure requirements caused by coupled mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent sliding mechanism provides dynamic control where each button can be actuated with precise, variable pressure. This dynamic independence allows for better control precision during position transitions, particularly for achieving the central angular position, compared to rigid mechanical coupling that requires uniform pressure distribution.
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 reduces axial volume, maintains button alignment, and facilitates accurate transition to the central angular position, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The changeover switch 100 comprises an elastic return element 32a, 32b configured to push the side button 30a, 30b into the initial backward position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A changeover switch (100) comprising: - a case (20) made of electrically insulating material, a first side button (30a) and a second side button (30b), both sliding with respect to the case (20) along a respective sliding axis (A-A, B-B) between an initial backward position and a final forward position; - a rocking control member (50) adapted to be rotated in two opposite directions respectively by means of the first side button (30a) and the second side button (30b); - a rocking switching member (60) having a first end portion (61) and a second end portion (62) opposite the first end portion (61); - a first movable contact (70a) and a second movable contact (70b) arranged on the rocking switching member (60); - a first fixed contact (80a) and a second fixed contact (80b); - an electrically conductive support fulcrum (90) on which the rocking switching member (60) rests; in which the rocking control member (50) is adapted and configured to rotate the rocking switching member (60) between the following three stable angular positions: - a first angular end of stroke position, in which the first movable contact (70a) is in contact with the first fixed contact (80a) and in which the second movable contact (70b) is separate from the second fixed contact (80b); - a second angular end of stroke position, in which the second movable contact (70b) is in contact with the second fixed contact (80b) and in which the first movable contact (70a) is separate from the first fixed contact (80a); - a central angular position in which the movable contacts (70a, 70b) are separate from the respective fixed contacts (80a, 80b). The second end portion (62) of the rocking switching member (60) rests on the support fulcrum (90).