Multi-directional Operation Switch with Integrated Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional operation switches are bulky due to the need for two separate constituent members for rotational and tilting operations, requiring precise positional relationships and lacking space for illumination, making them complex and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized multi-directional operation switch design featuring a single operation rod with a slider on the circuit substrate's back surface, allowing both rotational and tilting operations with reduced components, and incorporating a light-transmissive operation rod and rotor for internal illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constituent member that rotates in conjunction with a rotational operation is disposed on one surface of the circuit substrate, and a constituent member that slides in conjunction with a tilting operation is disposed on the other surface, then both rotational and tilting operations can be detected, but the size of the switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both rotational and tilting operation detection functions into a single integrated slider structure on one surface of the circuit substrate. The slider includes both a rotary portion for rotational detection and a sliding portion for tilting detection, eliminating the need for separate constituent members on opposite surfaces and thereby reducing the overall switch size while maintaining full detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both rotational operation detection and tilting operation detection functions. By integrating multiple detection capabilities into a single component, the patent reduces the number of parts needed and minimizes the switch volume while preserving adaptability for detecting operations in multiple directions
2Measurement precision
If constituent members are disposed on both surfaces of the circuit substrate for detecting operations, then accurate detection is achieved, but the positional relationship between contact points requires high precision and extensive assembly adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both detection functions into a single slider on one substrate surface, the patent eliminates the need to establish and maintain precise positional relationships between components on opposite surfaces. The integrated design reduces assembly complexity while preserving detection accuracy through the unified structure of the slider and its contact points
3Adaptability or versatility
If a constituent member is provided on the front surface of the circuit substrate, then rotational operation detection is enabled, but there is no space for disposing a light source for illuminating the operation rod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the light source from the front surface to the back surface of the circuit substrate, utilizing the unused space on the opposite side. This dimensional repositioning allows the operation rod to be illuminated from behind, enabling visibility enhancement without interfering with the rotational and tilting detection functions on the front surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-directional operation switch that can be miniaturized is provided. The multi-directional operation switch includes an operation rod (20) that is rotatable about an operation rod axis (Q), and is also tiltable. The operation rod (20) has an inner end portion inserted in a hole (31) in a circuit substrate (30), and a slider (50), which operates in conjunction with an operation of the operation rod (20), is provided on the inner end portion. The slider (50) has a movable contact (54). The circuit substrate (30) has a plurality of fixed contacts (C) that are brought into contact with, and are electrically connected to, the movable contact (54) when the slider (50) rotates or slides.