Combination Switch Rotary Detection Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination switches are bulky due to the need for a large cylindrical area to accommodate multiple fixed contacts for detecting rotational operations in two directions, making them difficult to compactify while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
The combination switch design incorporates a brush unit with a pair of main contact shoes and a single auxiliary contact shoe, along with a configuration of fixed contacts that allows for reduced spatial requirements by enabling detection of rotational operations in two directions using only three contact shoes, allowing for a more compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed contacts are provided for detecting rotational operations in two directions, then the detection capability is improved, but the device size increases making it difficult to compactify
Solution Approach 1:
The single auxiliary contact shoe serves multiple functions by detecting rotational operations in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This contact shoe is configured to contact different fixed contacts depending on the rotation direction, allowing one component to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate contacts, thereby reducing the overall device area while maintaining full detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection functions for clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations into a single auxiliary contact shoe structure. By merging these detection capabilities into one component that can contact different fixed contacts based on rotation direction, the design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby compacting the device while preserving detection versatility
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 design enables the detection of pressing and rotational operations in two directions within a smaller space, enhancing the compactness of the switch without compromising detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode plate that is elastically deformable with a pressing force to render a fixed electrode conductive
Implementation Method 2
a brush unit comprised of a rotary conductive member rotatable about an axis with a lever operation and a plurality of contact shoes formed on the rotary conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary switch section R includes a brush unit 60 rotatably operated by a lever 72 and a plurality of fixed contacts. The brush unit 60 includes a pair of main contact shoes 62, 63 and a single auxiliary contact shoe 64. The fixed contacts include a main contact 24 with which the main contact shoes 62, 63 come into contact with the lever 72 is at its neutral posture N, a pair of contacts 25L, 25R with which the auxiliary contact shoe 64 comes into contact first when the lever 72 is rotatably operated, and second contacts 26L, 26R with which one of the main contact shoes 62, 63 comes into contact subsequently.