Magnetically Actuated Switch Assembly with Asymmetric Guide
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch designs often fail to provide a consistent force displacement curve in both opening and closing operations, leading to uneven user experience and potential mechanical issues due to asymmetrical component alignment and repeated strikes against the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically actuated switch assembly featuring a lever arm attached to a base plate, with a guide geometry that directs a movable element along distinct travel paths based on different displacement curves, allowing for customizable force displacement characteristics and reduced material usage to minimize actuation force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional switch design is used with symmetrical component alignment, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the force displacement curve is inconsistent between opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally misaligning the lever arm pivot point relative to the magnetic actuator. The lever arm pivot is positioned offset from the magnetic actuator center, creating different travel paths for opening and closing operations. This asymmetric geometry enables different force displacement curves for each direction, allowing consistent snap action in both opening and closing while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Force
If the lever arm is magnetically attached to the base plate, then the switch can be actuated with reduced force, but the magnetic attachment force must be precisely controlled to ensure proper snap action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the magnetic attachment force through different magnetic actuator configurations and lever arm geometries. The magnetic force is tuned to provide sufficient holding strength in the closed position while allowing easy actuation. The asymmetric travel path further modifies the effective magnetic force during operation, enabling consistent snap action without requiring extremely precise magnetic force control.
3Ease of operation
If the switch component follows a desired force displacement curve in one direction, then the user experience is optimized for that direction, but the component movement does not conform to the desired curve in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric lever arm geometry with the pivot point offset from the magnetic actuator center. This creates different travel paths for opening and closing operations, allowing each direction to follow its own optimized force displacement curve. The asymmetric design enables consistent snap action and user experience in both directions while maintaining simple structural composition.
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 consistent and customizable user experience by ensuring the switch 'snaps' open and closed at desired points, reducing mechanical stress and wear, while maintaining efficient operation and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm selectably magnetically attached to at least a portion of the base plate
Implementation Method 2
a guide having a geometry that directs the element along a first travel path to the contact and a second travel path away from the contact; wherein the geometry of the guide is based on a first displacement curve that is associated with the first travel path and on a second displacement curve that is associated with the second travel path; and the movable element moves along the guide in response to a pressure exerted thereon by one or more compliant members
Data Source
AI summary
A switching assembly can include a lever arm that is magnetically attached to at least a portion of a base plate. A contact may be positioned in a spaced apart and above one end of the lever arm. Alternatively, the contact may be included in the base plate. Another switching assembly can include a movable element adapted to electrically connect with a contact in the switch assembly and a guide a guide having a geometry that directs the element along a first travel path to the contact and a second travel path away from the contact. A geometry of the guide is based on a first displacement curve that is associated with the first travel path and on a second displacement curve that is associated with the second travel path.