Multi-direction Switch with Integrated Actuator and Direct Contact Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-directional switch assemblies have a large number of parts and complex assembly steps, leading to low productivity and increased time and labor requirements.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a base with a bearing body and an operating lever with a curved or spherical surface, supported by a bearing part, and a contact mechanism driven by an operating leg, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining high productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-directional switch assembly uses an actuator with internal and external control units connected by a universal joint around a guide pin, then the switch can operate in multiple directions, but the number of parts and assembling steps increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal control unit and external control unit into a single integrated actuator structure. The operating lever directly engages with the contact mechanism through its leg, eliminating the need for separate control units connected by universal joints. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining multi-directional operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the operating input, the connecting linkage, and the direct driver of the contact mechanism through its leg. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control units and joints, reducing part count while enabling multi-directional operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-directional switch assembly uses an actuator with internal and external control units connected by a universal joint around a guide pin, then the switch can operate in multiple directions, but the number of assembling steps increases, increasing time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the control units into a single actuator where the operating lever directly actuates the contact mechanism, the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps involving universal joints and guide pins. The simplified structure requires fewer assembly operations, reducing time and labor while preserving multi-directional functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-directional switch assembly uses an actuator with internal and external control units connected by a universal joint around a guide pin, then the switch can operate in multiple directions, but the number of parts increases, complicating the assembly structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the actuator into a single integrated component where the operating lever with its leg directly engages the contact mechanism. This eliminates the complex arrangement of internal control units, external control units, universal joints, and guide pins, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to operate in multiple directions.
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 design allows for a switch with fewer parts and assembly steps, enhancing productivity and ease of assembly while ensuring reliable operation in multiple directions.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing body having a bearing part at an upper end is provided in a protruding manner; an operating shaft with a lower end surface rotatably supported by the bearing part
Data Source
AI summary
A switch includes a base on which a bearing body having a bearing part at an upper end is provided in a protruding manner, an operating lever having an operating shaft with a lower end surface rotatably supported by the bearing part, and at least one operating leg extending from the operating shaft toward the base; and at least one contact mechanism having a fixed contact and a movable contact movable by the operating leg during rotation of the operating shaft, the contact mechanism being disposed on an upper surface of the base, with the movable contact opened and closed by the operating leg with respect to the fixed contact.