Combined Switch Contacts on Same Circle for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combined switches face limitations in miniaturization due to the additional area required for the rotary switch, which is caused by having one common fixed contact on one circle and individual contacts on a different circle, hindering further size reduction and mounting area minimization.
Innovation Solution
The combined switch design incorporates fixed and movable contacts for both push and rotary switches, with all contacts formed on the circumference of the same circle, allowing for a brush to bring the common and individual contacts into conduction, eliminating the need for an additional outer circle and enabling miniaturization by using a lever and brush to manage rotating operations effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one common fixed contact is disposed on the circumference of a circle and other fixed contacts are disposed on the circumference of a different circle, then the rotary switch can be constituted, but an additional area corresponding to an outside circle is required which inhibits miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the common contact and individual contacts onto the same circular circumference instead of using separate concentric circles. This combining of contact elements into a single circular arrangement eliminates the need for additional outer circle area, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining rotary switch functionality and reducing mounting area.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circular arrangement of contacts serves multiple functions: it provides both the common contact connection and the individual contact connections for different rotary positions. This multi-functional design allows the same circular structure to fulfill what previously required separate concentric circles, thereby reducing the overall mounting area while maintaining full rotary switch operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concentric circles are used for contacts, then the rotary switch can operate at multiple positions, but the switch size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial arrangement (multiple concentric circles) to a tangential arrangement (single circle with contacts at different angular positions). This dimensional reorganization allows multiple contact points to be accessed through rotational movement along a single circle rather than requiring multiple radial layers, effectively reducing the switch diameter while maintaining multi-position functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes the dynamic rotation of the lever to sequentially bring different contacts into alignment with the brush. Instead of having all contacts simultaneously accessible through static concentric circles, the system uses rotational dynamics to provide sequential access to multiple contacts, reducing the static footprint while maintaining functional 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 configuration allows for a smaller mounting area and easier assembly, achieving miniaturization of the combined switch while maintaining functionality, as the brush's contactors on the same circle ensure concurrent conduction of common and individual contacts, reducing the switch's size and enhancing its compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a lower electrode plate serving as the movable contacts for the push switch having elastic forces and being deformed at a time of a pressing operation to bring the contact pairs for the push switch into conduction
Implementation Method 2
a brush being secured to the lever and serving as the movable contacts for the rotary switch to bring two contacts out of the plurality of contacts for the rotary switch into conduction according to a rotating operation on the lever
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A main body portion (10) has fixed contacts and houses movable contacts (30, 40, 60). A lower and upper electrode plates (30,40) serving as the movable contacts are deformed at a time of a pressing operation. The upper plate (40) is contactable to the lower plate (30) and the lower plate (30) brings contact pairs (16, 17) mounted in a center of the bottom inside the main body portion (10) into conduction. On the bottom inside the main body portion (10), contacts (65) serving as fixed contacts for a rotating operation are formed on the circumference of a same circle outside contact pairs (16, 17). A brush (60) serving as movable contacts is secured to a lever (70) receiving rotating operational forces and brings contacts (65) into conduction.