Magnetic Movable Plate Mechanism for Compact Return Click Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop lamp switch mechanisms for vehicles require additional parts and increased device size to achieve reliable return mechanisms, and often fail to provide a good operating feeling.
Innovation Solution
An operation mechanism using a magnet with two movable plates, where the first movable plate pushes down the second movable plate during operation, causing it to tilt and separate, generating a restoring force without the need for a spring-based return mechanism, and adjusting magnetic forces to optimize the click feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-based return mechanism is used to ensure reliable return of the moving element, then the reliability of the return function is improved, but the number of parts and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the system entirely. The return function is achieved not through a mechanical spring but through the magnetic attraction force between the magnet and the movable plate, combined with the tilting mechanism that allows the movable plate to return to its initial position without elastic deformation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based return mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet generates an attractive force that pulls the movable plate back to its initial position, substituting elastic mechanical energy storage with magnetic field energy.
2Reliability
If a spring-based return mechanism is used to ensure reliable return of the moving element, then the reliability of the return function is improved, but the size of the entire device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is completely removed from the device, eliminating the volume that would be required for elastic deformation components. The return function is achieved through the compact magnetic field interaction and tilting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate is designed as a thin, flexible component that can tilt and deform elastically without requiring a bulky spring. This thin-plate structure provides the necessary flexibility for return motion while occupying minimal space.
3Reliability
If the movable contact spring is used to separate the movable contact from the fixed contact, then the stop lamp lighting function is achieved, but the operating feeling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a clicking sensation through the rapid tilting motion of the movable plate. When the pressing force is applied, the movable plate tilts suddenly, causing the movable contact to separate from the fixed contact with a distinct click, providing satisfying operational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle portion of the movable plate acts as an intermediary that transmits the pressing force from the operator to the tilting motion. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the operational feedback, creating a more pronounced clicking sensation compared to direct spring-based contact separation.
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 provides a reliable recovery force and improved operating feeling without additional parts, while allowing for adjustment of the click sensation through magnetic force control, reducing wear and enhancing device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the attractive force of a magnet to an armature is gradually weakened when a moving element moves with a depressing operation of the brake pedal
Implementation Method 2
the first movable plate pushes down a middle portion of the second movable plate, such that the middle portion of the second movable plate remains in contact with the first movable plate and the second movable plate is tilted
Data Source
AI summary
An operation mechanism includes a magnet; a first movable plate formed of a magnetic material and connected to one pole of the magnet; and a second movable plate formed of a magnetic material and connected to another pole of the magnet, wherein, while the first movable plate is not being operated, the second movable plate is at a return position that overlaps the first movable plate, and wherein, while the first movable plate is being operated, the first movable plate pushes down a middle portion of the second movable plate, such that the middle portion of the second movable plate remains in contact with the first movable plate and the second movable plate is tilted, so as to cause a free end of the second movable plate to be separated from the first movable plate.