Illuminated Push-Button Locking Assembly for Clear Switch State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button switch arrangements face challenges in manufacturing efficiency and clear visibility of switching states, requiring reliable and recognizable identification of different states for operators.
Innovation Solution
A push-button switch arrangement featuring a disk-shaped actuating head, a sleeve-shaped key guide, and a sleeve-shaped locking unit with a plunger sleeve and annular locking bar, which includes a central passage opening for unhindered light passage, combined with a light guide for illumination, enabling clear visibility and reliable switching state identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard push-button switch assembly is used with modular components, then the manufacturing is simplified and cost-effective, but the visibility and clear identification of switching states is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded locking latch elements (e.g., red for locked, green for unlocked) that are visible through the actuating head to clearly indicate switching states. This color differentiation provides immediate visual feedback to operators without complicating the modular manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system where light guides or transparent/ translucent elements mediate between the internal locking mechanism and the external observer. This allows the switching state to be visually transmitted from the locking latch through the actuating head to the operator.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then the reliability of switching state determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the locking latch elements within the key guide structure, which itself is integrated into the actuating head assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly organized without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, maintaining reliability while controlling size.
Solution Approach 2:
The key guide structure serves multiple functions: it guides the plunger movement, houses the locking latch elements, and acts as a visual indicator mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Loss of information
If a light guide system is added for illumination, then the visibility of switching states is enhanced, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating head is designed to serve dual purposes: as the operational component for actuating the switch and as the housing for the light guide system. This integration allows the same structural element to provide both mechanical function and optical indication, avoiding additional manufacturing steps for separate indicator housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is nested within the actuating head structure, utilizing the existing internal cavity space. This nesting approach allows the light guide to be installed during the same assembly process without requiring additional external mounting operations, thereby minimizing increased manufacturing effort.
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 allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing with clear and reliable identification of switching states, enhancing safety through visible light indicators and secure locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (40) for guiding light, which is coupled to the actuating head (10), so that, relative to the longitudinal axis L, the light guide (40) is arranged at least partially within the actuating head (10) and within the key guide (20)
Implementation Method 2
The locking latch is formed in several parts and has a first locking latch element and a second locking latch element, which are preloaded by two spring elements that drive the locking latch elements outward with respect to the longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a push-button assembly (1) with means for indicating a switch status, comprising an actuation head (10) for actuating the push-button assembly (1) having a disc-shaped upper part (11) and a tubular lower part (12), and a sleeve-type push-button guide (20), which is coupled to the actuation head (10), such that, in relation to a longitudinal axis (L) of the push-button assembly (1), the upper part (11) is arranged above the push-button guide (20) and the lower part (12) surrounds the push-button guide (20). The push-button assembly (1) also comprises a sleeve-type locking unit (60) for determining a switch status of the push-button assembly (1), which is arranged within the push-button guide (20) in relation to the longitudinal axis (L) and can be transferred between a first and a second locking state by means of the actuation head (10), wherein the locking unit (60) has a plunger sleeve (62) and an annular detent catch coupled to the plunger sleeve (62), which delimit a central through-opening (68) through the locking unit (60) along the longitudinal axis (L) in a given manner.