Multistage Pushbutton Switch Layout for Stable Endoscope Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope air and water supply switching devices are complex, increasing assembly cost and weight, and require a large space, while existing pushbutton switch devices face issues with excessive load on electrical switches and operation failure due to deformation.
Innovation Solution
A multistage pushbutton switch device with a pushbutton member that moves in conjunction with electrical switches, using load absorption springs and intermediate springs to distribute the pressing force evenly, preventing excessive load on individual switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air supply and water supply switching devices are provided in the control body, then the discharge nozzle can perform air supply, water supply, and spraying operations, but the structure of the control body becomes complex and assembly cost and weight are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single integrated pushbutton switch device. The pushbutton switch device combines multiple electrical switches (first switch, second switch, third switch) into one unified structure that controls air supply, water supply, and spraying operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate switching devices and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pushbutton switch device serves multiple functions through a single device. It controls air supply valve, water supply valve, and spraying operation through different pressing depths of the same pushbutton, making the control body structure more versatile while reducing the number of separate components needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multistage pushbutton switch device with multiple electrical switches is provided, then multiple operations can be controlled by a single pushbutton, but the pressing force is directly applied to the switches causing excessive load and operation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressing member as an intermediary between the pushbutton and the electrical switches. The pressing member transmits the pressing force from the pushbutton to the switches through a controlled mechanism, distributing the load and preventing excessive force from being directly applied to any single switch, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic force distribution mechanism where the pressing member can move at different depths to activate different switches. The system dynamically adjusts which switches receive force based on the pressing depth, with the first switch activated at shallow depths and subsequent switches activated at greater depths, preventing any single switch from bearing excessive load
3Reliability
If multiple electrical switches are fixed in mechanical positions to prevent lead wire deformation, then operation failure due to deformation can be prevented, but the fixation structures become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switches and their fixation structures into a single integrated pushbutton switch device. By merging the fixation functions for multiple switches into one unified structure, the overall fixation system becomes less complex while still preventing lead wire deformation and ensuring reliable operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switching devices are used in the control body, then air and water supply can be switched, but the device requires large space and downsizing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple electrical switches are stacked vertically one above another in the pushbutton switch device. The first switch, second switch, and third switch are arranged in sequence along the pressing direction, allowing multiple switching functions to be contained within a compact vertical space, significantly reducing the overall device volume
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 stabilizes the load on electrical switches, preventing damage from excessive force and allowing operation by non-operator personnel, while reducing the device's complexity and size.
Implementation Method 1
a load absorption spring and n pushbutton switches are arranged in between the pushbutton member and a reaction force wall
Implementation Method 2
strengths of the (n-1) or more intermediate spring members and the load absorption spring are set so that an electrical switch member that is turned on lastly is turned on before the pushbutton member abuts to the stopper
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
To acquire a multistage pushbutton switch device capable of preventing an excessive load to a switch. In a multistage pushbutton switch device, n pushbutton switches and at least one load absorption spring are movably arranged in between a pushbutton member and a reaction force wall in the same axial line, each of the n pushbutton switches is composed of an electrical switch member and a pressing member that operates the electrical switch member, and (n-1) that is one less than n, or more pushbutton switches is arranged with an intermediate spring member, when the pushbutton member is pressed and displaced, the n electrical switch members are sequentially turned on, the load absorption spring is arranged in at least one of between the pushbutton member and the pushbutton switch that is the nearest to the pushbutton member, between pushbutton switches that are adjacent, and between the reaction force wall and the pushbutton switch that is the nearest to the reaction force wall.