Multi-Direction Switch Mechanism for Slim Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notebook computers with slim and light designs face challenges in reducing the number of buttons while maintaining functionality, particularly in activating optical drive mechanisms, which complicates the appearance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A switch mechanism incorporating a button, pressing component, linking component, and activating component that allows a single button to activate both the power switch and optical drive switch components, utilizing an inclined structure and resilient components to facilitate dual functionality without additional external buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are disposed on the notebook computer to activate different functions, then the functionality is complete, but the appearance becomes complex and the device cannot meet slim and light requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A single button is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting pressing directions. The button can activate the power switch component when pressed in a first direction and activate the optical drive switch component when pressed in a second direction, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The button is designed with dynamic pressing capabilities in multiple directions. The pressing component detects the direction of the pressing force and activates different switch components accordingly, allowing one static button structure to perform multiple dynamic functions.
2Device complexity
If the number of buttons is decreased to achieve a slim and light design, then the appearance is simplified, but the functionality corresponding to multiple buttons is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single button is equipped with multi-functionality through the pressing component that detects pressing directions. By pressing in different directions, the same button activates different functions (power switch and optical drive switch), maintaining full functionality while reducing button count.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing component acts as an intermediary between the button and multiple switch components. It receives the pressing force from the button in different directions and selectively activates the appropriate switch component, enabling one button to control multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch mechanism includes a button, a pressing component, a linking component and an activating component. The button is for moving in a first direction or a second direction. The pressing component is connected to a bottom side of the button and is for pressing a first switch component when the button moves in a first direction. An end of the linking component is connected to the button, and the linking component is driven by the button in a second direction as the button moves in the second direction. The activating component is detachably contacted with the linking component, and the activating component is driven by the linking component when the linking component moves to an activating position in the second direction, so as to activate a second switch component in a third direction.