Deformable Intermediate Plate for Ergonomic Multi-Channel Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniaturized electrical switches with multiple switching channels face challenges in ergonomics due to large differences in control action amplitudes between central and peripheral areas, leading to counterintuitive vertical strokes that hinder miniaturization and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electrical switch design featuring a vertically mobile upper panel with an intermediate plate that is partly deformable, allowing for independent switching channel establishment and tactile feedback, where the panel acts on a detection element to change switching states and provide uniform tactile sensation across different contact positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate plate is used to change the state of switching elements, then the switching channels can be controlled, but the difference in amplitudes between control actions at the center and periphery becomes large, disturbing the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the intermediate plate from rigid to deformable, allowing it to adapt its shape during actuation. This deformation capability enables the plate to distribute control forces more uniformly across different contact positions, reducing the amplitude difference between center and periphery actuations while maintaining switching channel control functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the upper panel and intermediate plate move relative to each other and the frame, then switching elements can be actuated, but the vertical stroke of the upper panel becomes large, counter to miniaturization goals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable intermediate plate that flexes and deforms under actuation forces rather than requiring rigid relative movements. This flexible deformation mechanism significantly reduces the vertical stroke required for the upper panel while still enabling effective actuation of all switching elements, thus supporting miniaturization objectives
3Volume of moving object
If multiple switching channels are combined in a single component, then miniaturization is achieved, but the component size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching channels into a single integrated component by arranging switching elements on the intermediate plate that can be actuated by a common upper panel. The deformable plate serves as a shared actuation mechanism for all switching channels, consolidating what would otherwise require separate components into one miniaturized unit
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plate is segmented into multiple regions that can be independently deformed to actuate different switching elements. This segmentation allows each switching channel to be controlled independently through localized deformation of the plate, managing the complexity of multiple channels within a compact integrated structure
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 solution enables precise, ergonomic control with reduced vertical stroke and consistent tactile feedback, improving user experience and miniaturization by allowing independent switching channel control and uniform tactile sensation regardless of contact position.
Implementation Method 1
the plate is at least partly deformable in order to actuate the detection element which detects the control action after changing the state of the switching elements
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical switch with multiple switching channels may include a frame, a panel with which a pointing element comes into contact. The electrical switch may have a location element which locates the point of contact of the pointing element on the panel which may include a plurality of switching elements. The electrical switch may have a detection element which detects at least one control action independent of the position of the point of contact with the panel. The electrical switch may have an intermediate plate on which the panel acts in order to cause the change in state of the switching elements. The intermediate plate may be configured to cause the change in state of switching elements and detection element. The plate can be at least in part deformed in order to actuate the detection element after changing the state of the switching elements.