Latching Rocker Switch With Integrated Pusher Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocker switches, particularly those with latching mechanisms, face issues with accidental actuation due to non-intuitive operation and lack of ergonomic design, which can distract operators and lead to unintended unlocking or locking failures, especially in critical applications like vehicle control systems.
Innovation Solution
A latching rocker switch with a pivotally mounted actuating element and a sliding pusher mechanism, featuring a U-shaped latch on an elastic support, allows for intuitive unlocking and secure actuation with a single finger, preventing accidental activation by using protective walls and a pusher design that cooperates with the latch to disengage the actuating element towards desired tilted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to prevent accidental actuation, then switching safety is improved, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and requires two fingers to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unlocking function and actuation function into a single continuous motion. The latch is designed to be pushed by the actuating element itself during its tilting motion, so that one finger operation simultaneously unlocks and actuates the switch, eliminating the need for separate unlocking and actuation steps required by prior art
2Ease of operation
If an unlocking button is placed in the center of the actuating element, then unlocking is achieved, but the button is vulnerable to accidental pressing and can cause inadvertent unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate central unlocking button from the actuating element and integrates the unlocking function directly into the tilting motion of the actuating element itself. The latch is positioned and designed to be engaged/disengaged by the actuating element's own motion, eliminating the vulnerable protruding button while maintaining the unlocking capability
3Reliability
If a latch slides in a direction perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the tilting, then locking is achieved, but the movements of latch sliding and rotation require opposite directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch displacement and actuating element tilting into a single coupled motion. The latch is positioned and dimensioned so that during the actuating element's tilting motion, the latch is automatically pushed by a dedicated pushing surface and rotates from its locked position to an unlocked position, both movements occurring simultaneously in the same direction rather than requiring opposite directional movements
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 a secure, ergonomic, and intuitive three-position switch that prevents accidental actuation while maintaining operational safety and durability under various forces, allowing for quick and focused operation without prolonged attention from the user.
Implementation Method 1
a latch movable in tilting on an elastic support
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The switch has tilting elements (2, 3) mounted on an armor (1) and integrated to a switch rod (10) that occupies central and tilted positions. A pushrod (5) slidably mounted in the tilting element in a returning/outgoing direction parallel to a tilting symmetry plane. A lock (4) is moved on a spring (11). The lock moves to a position where it is interposed on a path of the tilting element and another position where it cooperates with the pushrod, so that a thrust on the pushrod stresses the lock and disengages the pushrod from the path of the tilting element towards the tilted position.