Compact Touch Switch with Symmetrical Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tactile rocker control systems in mechatronic devices face space asymmetry issues due to the large size of the second arm, which complicates installation in limited spaces, especially in motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A tactile rocker control system with an angled lever and a connecting rod system, where the connecting rod is fixed by an auxiliary pivot close to the first arm's axis, allowing symmetrical housing dimensions and reducing protrusion on the second arm side, enabling efficient space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second arm is made long to accommodate the plunger and cam, then the positioning function is achieved, but the housing becomes asymmetric and occupies excessive space on one side
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the support system from the side of the second arm to the opposite side of the first arm, utilizing the unused space on that side. This spatial reconfiguration allows the connecting rod to extend substantially equally on both sides of the first arm's longitudinal axis, achieving symmetry without compromising the positioning function of the second arm
Solution Approach 2:
The invention intentionally creates a symmetrical housing design by balancing the extending lengths of the connecting rod on both sides of the first arm's longitudinal axis. The support system is positioned on the opposite side of the first arm to counterbalance the second arm, transforming the originally asymmetric layout into a symmetrical one that optimizes space utilization
2Ease of manufacture
If the second arm extends far from the first arm's axis, then the plunger and cam can be accommodated, but the housing footprint becomes asymmetric with unused volume on the other side
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is relocated to the opposite side of the first arm's longitudinal axis, utilizing the previously unused space in that dimension. This allows the housing footprint to be minimized by balancing the extending lengths on both sides, creating a compact symmetrical design that accommodates all components efficiently
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system with touch-sensitive switch comprising a housing (2) having a front face (4), and a toggle lever (8) comprising a first arm (10) substantially perpendicular to this face (4), having on one side a control button (6) arranged on the face (4), and on the other side a toggle receiving a main pivot (12), which is extended by a second arm (14) arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis (A) of the first arm (10), characterised in that it comprises a rod (30) having at one end a slide connection connected to the end of the second arm (14), comprising, at the other end, a position holding system (16) which is arranged on the second side of the longitudinal axis (A), and comprising, in a central part, an additional fixed guidance pivot (32).