Lever Switch Noise Reduction via Damped Click Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lever switches, particularly wiper switches, generate significant operating noise due to the collision of the switch moving body with the bottoms of trough portions on the click feeling generator during stepwise operation, as the switch moving body is urged by a spring, leading to noise transmission to the case.
Innovation Solution
The click feeling generator and the case are positioned with a clearance between them, and a supporting wall is interposed to absorb and block the impact noise, preventing direct transmission to the case, while a cantilever-shaped projecting piece restricts rotation and stabilizes contact, reducing noise emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch moving body is urged toward the click feeling generator by a spring, then reliable contact with the click feel generating surface is achieved, but big operating noise is generated due to collision with the bottoms of trough portions
Solution Approach 1:
A damper is introduced as an intermediary component between the switch moving body and the click feeling generator. The damper absorbs the impact when the switch moving body collides with the trough portions, preventing direct transmission of collision forces to the click feeling generator and case, thereby reducing operating noise while maintaining reliable contact through the spring urging mechanism
2Volume of moving object
If the click feeling generator is placed close to the case, then compact structure is achieved, but impact noise transmits directly to the case
Solution Approach 1:
The damper serves as a noise isolation intermediary positioned between the click feeling generator and the case. It blocks the transmission path of impact noise to the case while allowing the compact arrangement to be maintained, as the damper occupies minimal space in the existing structure
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 configuration effectively attenuates impact noise, preventing loud operating noise during stepwise lever operation and providing a stable, reliable click feel, enhancing the operating experience by reducing noise transmission and maintaining a stable contact state.
Implementation Method 1
a damper is interposed between the click feeling generator and the case in a direction in which the end is urged
Data Source
AI summary
A lever switch which is capable of preventing loud operating noise from being generated during stepwise operation of an operating lever. The lever switch has a case, a click feeling generator placed inside the case, and a switch moving body placed inside the case and rotated with respect to the case by operating the operating lever. The click feeling generator has trough portions that abut against a convex portion of the switch moving body. Click feelings are given by the convex portion of the switch moving body sequentially abutting against the trough portions in response to stepwise operations of the operating lever. The convex portion of the switch moving body is urged toward the click feeling generator. The click feeling generator and the case are placed away from each other with a space left between them in a direction in which the first case is urged.