Combined Operation Switch Device with Rotary Encoder

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combined operation type switch devices require multiple buttons for various operation functions, leading to increased complexity, manufacturing costs, and reduced assembly operability, as they can only perform two-way operations with a single wheel button.

Innovation Solution

A single wheel button is designed to enable 360-degree unlimited rotation and three-way (center, left, and right) pushing functions, using a configuration with guide grooves and protrusions, a slider, and an encoder to detect rotational direction and output electrical signals, allowing for continuous button operations with reduced components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are provided to implement various button operation functions, then the operational versatility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation functionsVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel button is designed to perform multiple functions including rotating operation, one-way pushing operation, left push, and right push by integrating different operational modes into a single button structure, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the wheel button with unlimited rotation function and multiple push buttons with different functions into a single integrated button structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all required operational capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are provided to implement various button operation functions, then the operational versatility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation functionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel button is designed to perform multiple functions including rotating operation, one-way pushing operation, left push, and right push by integrating different operational modes into a single button structure, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the wheel button with unlimited rotation function and multiple push buttons with different functions into a single integrated button structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all required operational capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are provided to implement various button operation functions, then the operational versatility is improved, but the assembly operability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation functionsVSAvoidassembly operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wheel button with unlimited rotation function and multiple push buttons with different functions into a single integrated button structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all required operational capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are provided to implement various button operation functions, then the operational versatility is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation functionsVSAvoidswitch device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wheel button with unlimited rotation function and multiple push buttons with different functions into a single integrated button structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all required operational capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel button is designed to perform multiple functions including rotating operation, one-way pushing operation, left push, and right push by integrating different operational modes into a single button structure, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for quick and efficient series of button operations, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances assembly characteristics, and minimizes the switch device's size while ensuring proper operating sensations and preventing malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

an encoder which is joined to a drive shaft of the wheel button, detects a rotational direction and a rotational amount of the drive shaft during rotation of the wheel button, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder detection:

Implementation Method 2

an upper case in which a pair of first guide grooves having symmetrical shapes are formed in opposing inner surfaces thereof; a holder in which a pair of first guide protrusions respectively inserted into the first guide grooves are formed in opposing outer surfaces thereof and second guide grooves disposed in a vertical direction are formed in opposing inner surfaces thereof, and which is held inside the upper case via the first guide protrusions inserted into the first guide grooves so as to rotate left and right

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Implementation Method 3

a circuit board which is fixed to the lower case, includes a plurality of electrodes in an upper surface thereof, and includes a plurality of contact switches at positions where the electrodes are respectively provided so as to allow the electrodes to be selectively connected by a vertical sliding motion of the slider

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact:

Data Source

PatentEP2755218B1Combined operation type switch device

Publication Date: 2018.12.19 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

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Figure 4~5

AI summary

A combined operation type switch device (100), includes: an upper case 110; a lower case 120; a holder 130 which is supported inside the upper case 110 so as to rotate left and right; a slider 140 accommodated inside the holder 130 to slide in the vertical direction with respect to the holder 130 and to rotate in left and right directions; a wheel button 150 accommodated inside the slider 140 and rotatably held, and of which a part is exposed through the upper case 110 so as to enable a user to perform a three-way (center, left, and right) pushing operation and a rotating operation; an encoder 160 detects a rotational direction and a rotational amount during rotation of the wheel button 150; and a circuit board 170 fixed to the lower case 120 includes a plurality of electrodes (173) and a plurality of contact switches 175 so as to allow the electrodes (173) to be selectively connected by a vertical sliding motion of the slider (140) interlinked with the three-way pushing operation of the wheel button 150 and a left and right rotating motion of the slider 140 and the holder 130.