Foot Switch Pedal Rigidity via Support Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot switches face issues with pedal member rigidity due to excessive elastic force, leading to potential component deformation and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A foot switch design that includes a support portion to balance the forces applied by the elastic force applying portion and the rotating shaft, ensuring the pedal member receives forces that maintain rigidity even with increased elastic force, by positioning the support and elastic force applying portions on one side relative to the rotating shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the elastic force is increased to shorten the stroke of the elastic force applying portion, then the elastic force applying portion can be more compact, but the pedal member rigidity becomes insufficient due to excessive elastic force
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion acts as an intermediary element between the pedal member and the base unit. It provides additional support to the pedal member at a position different from the rotating shaft portion, distributing the elastic force more evenly and preventing excessive force concentration that would compromise pedal member rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion provides localized support to the pedal member at a specific position (different from the rotating shaft portion). This local support enhances the pedal member's ability to withstand elastic force without compromising overall rigidity, allowing the elastic force applying portion to have a shorter stroke while maintaining pedal member strength.
2Reliability
If the elastic force applying portion applies greater elastic force to the pedal member, then the switch portion can be operated more reliably, but the pedal member may deform due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion serves as a mediator that distributes the elastic force from the elastic force applying portion. By providing an additional support point on the pedal member, it ensures that the force is transmitted more evenly, maintaining both switch operation reliability and pedal member structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion provides a counterbalancing support force to the pedal member. This counter-support compensates for the excessive elastic force that would otherwise cause pedal member deformation, allowing the system to maintain reliable switch operation while preserving structural stability.
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 effectively suppresses pedal member rigidity issues while increasing elastic force, reducing the risk of component deformation and extending product service life by maintaining balanced forces across the pedal member.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic force applying portion (42) applying an elastic force to the pedal member (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A foot switch includes: a pedal member extending in a front-rear direction; and a base unit connected to the pedal member via a rotating shaft portion. The base unit has: an elastic force applying portion applying an elastic force to the pedal member; a switch portion operated by the pedal member by the pedal member being stepped on and rotating around the rotating shaft portion; and a support portion supporting the pedal member with the elastic force applied from the elastic force applying portion in a state where the pedal member is yet to be stepped on. The elastic force applying portion and the support portion are disposed on one side in the front-rear direction with respect to the rotating shaft portion. The support portion supports a side wall portion of the pedal member.