Double Seesaw Switch Integrated Leaf Spring Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seesaw switches used as seat switches in automobiles require multiple spring holders and coil springs, leading to complex assembly and increased manufacturing costs due to the number of parts involved.
Innovation Solution
A double seesaw switch design with two seesaw switches arranged side-by-side, utilizing a U-shaped leaf spring piece as a biasing element integrated into the case to reduce the number of parts and simplify assembly, replacing the need for multiple spring holders and coil springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple spring holders and coil springs are used for each operation member, then the biasing function is reliable, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate spring holders and coil springs are merged into a single integrated elastic member that provides biasing force for multiple operation members simultaneously. This elastic member is formed as one piece with multiple elastic portions, eliminating the need for multiple separate springs and reducing part count while maintaining reliable biasing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elastic member serves multiple functions by providing biasing force for multiple operation members at once. Each elastic portion of the integrated member corresponds to different operation members, allowing one component to perform the work of multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple spring holders and coil springs are used, then each operation member can be biased independently, but manufacturing costs increase due to more parts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent biasing functions are combined into a single molded elastic member. The independent biasing capability is maintained through the multi-portion design of the integrated member, while manufacturing cost is reduced by eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate spring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from multiple discrete spring components to a single integrated elastic member with varying thickness parameters. By changing the thickness parameter at different portions of the elastic member, independent biasing characteristics are achieved for different operation members while using a single manufactured component.
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 reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and decreases manufacturing costs while maintaining the functionality of the seesaw switch, making it more efficient and cost-effective for use in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing part that biases the operation body towards a neutral position. The biasing part is a leaf spring piece that is bent and formed into a U shape by cutting into and raising a portion of a ceiling surface of the case, and is configured to press against the operation body in a power storing state in which a leading end portion that is to be a free end of the U-shaped leaf spring piece is compressed.
Data Source
AI summary
A double seesaw switch has two seesaw switches arranged side-by-side inside a case. Each of the two seesaw switches has a central terminal arranged on a bottom surface inside the case, a pair of fixed contacts separately arranged, a moving contact supported pivotably with respect to the central terminal and has a contact portion for contacting one of the fixed contacts, an operation body supported rotatably with respect to the case, and pivots the moving contact by moving on the moving contact in correspondence with a rotation movement of the operation body, and a biasing part biasing the operation body towards a neutral position. The biasing part is a leaf spring piece formed in a U shape from a portion of a ceiling surface of the case, and to press against the operation body in a power storing state of a leading end portion compressed.