Dual-Button Electric Switch Layout for Ergonomic Contact Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-mechanical switches suffer from complexity, reliability issues, ergonomic discomfort, and chaotic wire arrangement in limited spaces, requiring improved structural design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electric switch combining a rocking button and an axial button, with a pivoting mechanism that allows single-action control of contact positions, reducing size and ensuring reliable operation, and a support frame for orderly wire arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rocking button is used to actuate the commutation mechanism, then the switch can control the opening and closing of electric contact, but the button requires a rather high angle of inclination and may sink on one side and stick out on the other, causing ergonomic and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The button is divided into two separate functional buttons: a rocking button for closing the contact and an axial button for opening the contact. This segmentation allows each button to have optimized geometry for its specific function, eliminating the need for a high inclination angle rocking button that would cause sinking and sticking out issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a new dimension of operation by adding the axial button that moves along the sliding direction, complementing the rocking button's rotation. This multi-dimensional approach allows the commutation mechanism to be actuated in two different ways, providing ergonomic advantages and eliminating the aesthetic problems associated with high-angle rocking buttons.
2Reliability
If a complex commutation mechanism is used to achieve reliable contact switching, then the electric contact can be controlled, but the mechanism requires a certain amount of force to operate the button, giving an unwelcome feeling to users
Solution Approach 1:
The commutation mechanism is designed to be actuated dynamically through either rotation of the rocking button or axial movement of the axial button. This dynamic actuation in multiple directions reduces the force required compared to traditional linear mechanisms, while maintaining reliable contact switching through the inherent mechanical advantage of the commutation design.
3Ease of operation
If a rocking button with high angle of inclination is used, then the commutation mechanism can be actuated, but the button will sink on one side and stick out on the other, accentuated by the length of the button, causing operation that is not ergonomic and aesthetically unappreciated
Solution Approach 1:
The button function is segmented into two separate buttons with distinct geometries: a rocking button optimized for rotational actuation and an axial button optimized for linear actuation. This segmentation eliminates the need for a high-angle inclination design, maintaining button symmetry and aesthetic appearance while ensuring ergonomic operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the available space in the box is limited, then the electric modules can be connected to the wall-mounted support frame, but the wires may be connected in a chaotic manner
Solution Approach 1:
The axial button serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuator for opening the contact and simultaneously provides a structured pathway for wire routing through its axial body. This multi-functionality helps organize wire arrangements in a systematic manner, preventing chaotic connections while maintaining adaptability for module installation in limited spaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric switch (1) including: a main body (11) housing a commutation mechanism (2), a movable contact (3) and a fixed contact (67), the commutation mechanism (2) being configured to move the movable contact (3) between an opening position, wherein the movable contact (3) is spaced apart from the fixed contact (67), and a closure position, wherein the movable contact (3) is in contact with the fixed contact (67); a rocking button (5) connected to the main body (11) so as to be able to be rotated about a first rotation axis (A1), said rocking button (5) being configured to actuate said commutation mechanism (2) in such a manner that the movable contact (3) is placed in the closure position; an axial button (6) configured to actuate said commutation mechanism (2) in such a manner that the movable contact (3) is placed in the opening position.