Microswitch Control Device Silicone Dome Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microswitch control devices either lack the fast switching characteristics of electric contacts or fail to provide a waterproof solution, often resulting in slow switching speeds and complex housing structures that complicate waterproofing, while also not effectively combining the soft action of silicone domes with the metallic noise of microswitches.
Innovation Solution
A microswitch control device that integrates the parallel action of a silicone dome and a microswitch, using a striker portion and actuating element to achieve a force/displacement graph similar to silicone domes but with fast switching characteristics, while ensuring waterproofing through a silicone mat covering the electric circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a silicone dome is used alone to provide soft action, then the force/displacement graph is substantially similar to that of a silicone dome, but the switching speed is very slow and fast switching characteristics cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a silicone dome with a microswitch in a single actuating device. The silicone dome provides the soft tactile feedback and characteristic force/displacement curve, while the microswitch provides fast switching characteristics. Both components are integrated into one device that responds to a single actuator input, merging the benefits of slow soft action with fast switching.
2Speed
If microswitches are integrated into the control device, then fast switching characteristics are obtained, but the device becomes more complex and waterproofing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The microswitch is integrated directly into the actuating device housing rather than being a separate component. The housing structure serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical framework for the microswitch and simultaneously acts as the waterproof enclosure. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining fast switching capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a silicone dome is used with microswitches, then both soft action and switching perception can be obtained, but the user only perceives the action of the silicone dome without perceiving the fast clicking of the microswitch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface that acts as an intermediary between the microswitch actuation and the user's perception. When the microswitch activates, it reflects light (or another signal) back to the user, providing visual or sensory feedback that confirms the fast switching action. This intermediary mechanism allows the user to perceive both the soft silicone dome action and the rapid microswitch clicking simultaneously.
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 device provides a user experience of a soft silicone dome action followed by a metallic click, with fast switching speeds and effective waterproofing of the electronic circuit, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by combining the benefits of both silicone domes and microswitches in a simple and economical manner.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, adapted to be compressed by the actuating element when the latter moves from its initial operating configuration to its push operating configuration, so as to allow the actuating element to return, under the action of the elastic element, to its initial operating configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Switch control device comprising: a key (2), secured to a housing structure (3); at least one actuating element (4), operationally connected on a first end to the key (2), thus moving integrally therewith; a base (32), adapted to fit into a lower portion of the housing (3), to which an electric circuit (5) comprising at least one microswitch (5) is mechanically fastened. The device comprises at least one actuating device (6), appropriately constrained in order to switch from a first idle configuration to a second actuation configuration to actuate the microswitch (51). The actuating device comprises: at least one striker portion (61), upon which a second end of said at least one actuating element (4) acts for the purpose of moving said actuating device (6) depending on the movements of the key (2); a contact portion (63) adapted to act upon said at least one microswitch (51) as a function of the action of said at least one actuating element (4) upon the device (6). The control device comprises a silicone mat (7) comprising at least one silicone dome (71) against which an abutment portion (65) of the actuating device (6) abuts, adapted to counter the movement of the actuating device (6) itself.