Guided Switch Cover Structure to Prevent Pressing Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switch devices with operation portions supported by a cover member tend to tilt during pressing, leading to damage, deterioration of operability, and instability in the switch operation.
Innovation Solution
A switch device configuration featuring a base, guide member, flexible cover, and sliding member, where the sliding member slides along the guide face to stabilize the operation direction, with optional regulation structures to prevent excessive displacement and a design that includes a light-emitting unit for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the operation portion is supported by a cover member, then the switch device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the operation portion tilts during pressing causing damage and instability
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the base and the sliding member. The guide member includes a guide face that guides the sliding member in the operation direction, preventing tilt during pressing while maintaining the simplified cover member structure
Solution Approach 2:
The switch device is divided into distinct functional components: a base, a switch, a guide member with guide face, a flexible cover, and a sliding member with sliding portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the guide member ensuring proper alignment and the flexible cover providing support
2Reliability
If the sliding member is made flexible to return to original position, then operational stability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cover is made of an elastic material that can elastically deform to allow the sliding member to move during pressing and then automatically return to its original position when the pressing force is removed. This flexible structure provides the necessary operational stability without requiring complex mechanical return mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover's elastic properties enable the sliding member to automatically return to its original position without external intervention or additional return mechanisms. The system uses its own elastic deformation characteristics to achieve the reset function
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 configuration ensures stable operation, good operability, and prevents damage to the operation portion by suppressing tilt, while also allowing for improved protection and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible cover covering the switch and the guide member, and a sliding member having a sliding portion held by the flexible cover and sliding on the guide face of the guide member and an operation portion of the switch. This allows the sliding member to return to its original position by utilizing the flexibility of the flexible cover
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device according to an aspect of the invention includes a base provided with a connection terminal to an outside, a switch disposed at the base and connected to the connection terminal, a guide member provided at the base and having a guide face for guiding the switch in a direction of an operation of the switch, a flexible cover covering the switch and the guide member, and a sliding member having a sliding portion held by the flexible cover and sliding on the guide face of the guide member and an operation portion of the switch, thereby enabling a stable operation and good operability, and suppressing damage to the operation portion.