Leaf Spring Key Switch for Motorcycle Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key switches for transport vehicles, particularly motorcycles, suffer from undesired jamming, friction-related issues, and complex assembly due to the presence of a sliding piston on a shaped surface, leading to operational smoothness problems and potential blockages from wear or external materials.
Innovation Solution
A key switch design utilizing a leaf spring member interposed between the support base and the key, which deforms directly between operating positions without intermediate elements, ensuring smooth movement and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for complex sliding piston mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding piston mechanism is used on a shaped surface, then the key can be retained in stable operating positions, but jamming and friction issues occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sliding piston component entirely from the switch mechanism. Instead of using a piston that slides on a shaped surface, the invention employs a direct mechanical linkage where the key operates the switch contacts through a simplified movement path, eliminating the source of jamming and friction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new intermediary mechanism between the key and the switch contacts. This intermediary consists of a lever or linkage system that translates key movement into contact closure without requiring sliding surfaces, thereby mediating the interaction while avoiding friction and jamming
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sliding piston on a shaped surface is used, then stable operating positions are achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex shaped surface and sliding piston assembly, replacing them with a simpler geometric configuration that achieves stable positions through basic mechanical leverage rather than complex guiding surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex shaped surface to guide the piston movement, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple linear or angular path with mechanical stops or springs to define stable positions, simplifying the geometry while maintaining functionality
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a sliding piston mechanism is used, then the key can be retained in position, but wear and external material penetration reduce durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sliding piston and its contact surfaces entirely, eliminating the wear interface. The new design uses either non-contact sensing or minimal-contact mechanical linkage that does not involve sliding surfaces susceptible to wear and material penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding piston system with an alternative mechanism that reduces or eliminates mechanical wear. This could involve using elastic deformation of springs, magnetic coupling, or other non-wearing mechanisms to achieve the same position-retention 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 leaf spring member design enhances operational smoothness, reduces jamming, and simplifies assembly by providing a more reliable and efficient mechanism for controlling light beams and engine start functions, while minimizing wear and external interference.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring member (103) operatively interposed between said support base (101) and said key (102), which leaf spring member (103) is configured to be deformed directly between said first and second operating positions
Data Source
AI summary
A key switch including: a support base; a key which is manually operable for being moved, with respect to the support base, between at least a first operating position and a second operating position spaced apart from each other, in order to establish or interrupt at least one electric connection; a leaf spring member operatively interposed between the support base and the key; wherein the first operating position is a stable operating position of the key in which the leaf spring member is deformed between the key and the support base so as to take a first curvilinear configuration.