Eccentric Control Button With Balancing Spring And Integrating Sphere

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control buttons lack sufficient space to center both the switch and light source, leading to mechanical resistance issues and uneven illumination, affecting aesthetic appeal and operational smoothness.

Innovation Solution

An illuminated control button design featuring an eccentric switch balanced by a button spring and a centered light source, with an optional integrating sphere for uniform light distribution, ensuring balanced actuation and even illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the switch is centered on the control button, then the mechanical resistance is balanced and the button operates smoothly, but there is insufficient space to also center the light source on the button

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation smoothnessVSAvoidspace for mounting components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately positions the switch and light source at different locations (asymmetric arrangement) rather than attempting to center both components. The switch is positioned to balance mechanical resistance, while the light source is positioned separately to provide adequate illumination space, accepting that neither component is perfectly centered on the button face.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Illumination intensity

If the light source is centered on the control button, then the illumination appears uniform and aesthetically pleasing, but the switch cannot be centered and causes mechanical resistance imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidbutton operation smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accepts asymmetric positioning of components, placing the light source at a location that provides good illumination while allowing the switch to be positioned separately for mechanical balance. This deliberate asymmetry resolves the conflict between optical and mechanical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The button structure is designed with different local characteristics - the button face is optimized for light distribution and aesthetics, while the button stem and mounting structure are optimized for switch positioning and mechanical operation. Each region of the button assembly is tailored to its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If the switch is positioned off-center, then space is available for a centered light source, but the button tilts and cants during operation reducing aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for centered light sourceVSAvoidbutton alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The button spring is designed with an asymmetric force distribution that counterbalances the mechanical resistance of the off-center switch. The spring applies compensating forces to prevent the button from tilting or canting during operation, maintaining button alignment stability despite the asymmetric component layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Ease of operation

If the light source is positioned off-center, then space is available for a centered switch, but the illumination is uneven making it difficult to see the entire symbol

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton operation smoothnessVSAvoidlight distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides uniform and balanced actuation with a centered light source, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and operational smoothness of control buttons by distributing light evenly across the button window.

Implementation Method 1

The button spring may include a seat directly engaging the button and plurality of spring arms that are arranged around the seat in a configuration that balances the mechanical resistance of the switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the integrating sphere includes a somewhat cup-shaped diffusely reflective surface that cooperates with a diffusely reflective surface on the back surface of the button to substantially evenly distribute light from the light source throughout the integrating sphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7888614B2Control panel assembly

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

An illuminated control button with an eccentric switch and a button spring configured to substantially balance the mechanical resistance of the switch when the button is depressed. The switch may be a conventional push-button switch having a stem directly contacting a portion of the control button. The button spring may include an integral reflector and may have a rim that defines a surface engaging the button. The control button may include a fixed light source and the reflector may move about the light source when the control button is depressed. The present invention also provides a control button with a light source at least partially contained within an integrating sphere. In one embodiment, the integrating sphere includes a somewhat cup-shaped diffusely reflective surface that cooperates with a diffusely reflective surface on the back surface of the button to substantially evenly distribute light from the light source throughout the integrating sphere.