Operation Switch Device Segmentation for Modular Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation switch devices that detect both touch and pressing operations have complex structures, leading to increased manufacturing costs and maintenance challenges, as the integrated components require replacement of the entire device when a single part becomes defective.
Innovation Solution
A modular design featuring a push switch and touch detecting electrode on a circuit board, where the push switch is a discrete electronic part and the touch detecting electrode is formed on the circuit board periphery, allowing for separate replacement of faulty components and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor section and switch section are integrally formed as a whole, then both touch and pressing operations can be detected, but the overall structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switch device is divided into separate functional modules: a sensor section for touch detection and a switch section for pressing detection. These sections are configured to work independently but cooperatively, allowing each to be optimized separately and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining dual detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The operation switch device is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified configuration that accommodates both touch and pressing operations. The sensor section and switch section share common structural elements and mounting mechanisms, enabling the device to detect different input types without requiring separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If dome-shaped electrode or skirt-shaped member is used for switch section, then tactile feedback is provided, but assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The dome-shaped electrode and skirt-shaped member are integrated into a single unified switch section component. This merging of elements reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the tactile feedback function through the combined structural design
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor section and switch section are integrally formed, then both functions are combined, but entire device must be replaced when one part becomes defective
Solution Approach 1:
The operational components are segmented into replaceable modules, where the sensor section and switch section can be independently serviced. When one component becomes defective, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire device, reducing maintenance costs and improving repair efficiency
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
This design simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and facilitates easy maintenance by enabling the replacement of only the faulty push switch, while maintaining reliable operation switch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor section for sensing a touch operation is configured to detect the touch by a finger of a user as a change in capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
An operation switch device includes a circuit board and a push switch disposed on the circuit board and including a movable part exposed to an outside for reacting to an external pressing operation. Also provided on the circuit board is a touch detecting electrode formed in proximity to the push switch. The operation switch device further includes an operation detecting circuit connected with the push switch and the touch detecting electrode, and an operation member disposed to oppose the circuit board with the push switch interposed between the operation member and the circuit board. The operation member is displaceable such that the pressing operation on the operation member causes depression of the movable part of the push switch. The operation detecting circuit detects a touch operation on the operation member using the touch detecting electrode, and detects the pressing operation on the operation member using the push switch.