Flexible Rod Lever Switch for Non-Contact Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ON/OFF switches for vehicles with multiple action switching require complex structures, limiting the movable range of lever switches and preventing arbitrary directional tilting, making them unsuitable for simpler and lower-cost applications.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical member with a flexible, stretchable end fixed to a base, a rod member inserted and guided within the cylindrical member, with a surrounding portion converting the rod's movement into electrical binary signals, utilizing light, magnetic, or induced electromotive force for switching operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-contact structure using optical signal means is adopted to eliminate contact failure and wiring complexity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for light emitting elements, light receiving elements, and light guide plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex optical components (light emitting elements, light receiving elements, light guide plates) from the switching system. Instead, it uses a simple flexible rod member that can be bent to open or close an electrical circuit, achieving reliable switching without the complexity of optical signal means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical system with a purely mechanical system. A flexible rod member is used to mechanically open and close circuit contacts through bending motion, substituting the complex optical signal transmission mechanism with a simple mechanical lever action that achieves the same switching function with reduced complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a combination switch for multiple actions is designed, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching function into separate single-action switches, each with its own simple flexible rod member. This segmentation allows each switch to be independently designed and optimized for a specific function, avoiding the complexity of integrating multiple functions into a single complicated switch while maintaining overall system versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the movable range of lever switches is limited to one plane, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases as arbitrary directional tilting is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible rod member that can dynamically bend in multiple directions rather than a rigid lever constrained to one plane. This dynamic flexibility allows the rod to be tilted in arbitrary directions while maintaining precise positioning through controlled bending, achieving both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible rod member with inherent flexibility that can bend and tilt in multiple directions. This flexible structure replaces the rigid, plane-limited lever, allowing arbitrary directional tilting while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled flexing to predetermined positions.
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
Enables simple, cost-effective switching between two actions with a flexible and adaptable design that maintains axial alignment, allowing for non-contact operation and efficient signal conversion, suitable for various use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical member (1) having flexibility and being stretchable so as to be freely restored to a normal state
Implementation Method 2
utilizing light, magnetic, or induced electromotive force for switching operations
Implementation Method 3
utilizing light, magnetic, or induced electromotive force for switching operations
Implementation Method 4
utilizing light, magnetic, or induced electromotive force for switching operations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An ON/OFF switch of a non-contact type provided with a lever switch excellent in operability, which can be inclined in any direction in a whole circumferential direction is provided. One end of a cylindrical member having flexibility and being stretchable so as to be freely restored to a normal state is fixed to a base member, and a rod member having flexibility is inserted into the cylindrical member and is supported by a guide maintaining a state of an axial line of the rod member to the cylindrical member regardless of the state of the cylindrical member. Further, one end of the rod member is fixed to an end portion of the cylindrical member which is not fixed to the base member while the other end thereof is protruded from the cylindrical member, and a surrounding portion surrounding the end portion of the rod member which is protruded from the cylindrical member in a non-contact manner is provided in the base member. A converting unit converting movement of the end portion of the rod member protruded from the cylindrical member relative to the surrounding portion to electrical signal binary to output two values of the binary is provided in the surrounding portion.