Operation Unit Ridge Line Prevents Lubricant Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation units with parting lines suffer from lubricant transfer issues due to capillary action, leading to lubricant sticking to users' hands and unwanted light leakage, which affects both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The operation unit incorporates a ridge line on its outer surface, shifting parting lines to hinder lubricant transfer and using recesses to collect excess lubricant, thereby preventing capillary action and light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If through holes are formed on parting lines to block capillary action, then lubricant transfer is prevented, but light leakage occurs and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A ridge line structure is introduced as an intermediary element on the parting line. This ridge line acts as a physical barrier that interrupts the capillary action pathway without creating through holes, thereby preventing lubricant transfer while maintaining the integrity of the operation member surface and preventing light leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous parting line is segmented by the ridge line structure. The ridge line divides the parting line into separate sections, breaking the continuous capillary pathway that would otherwise allow lubricant to travel from the slide portion to the knob, thus preventing lubricant transfer without requiring through holes
2Reliability
If recesses are added to collect excess lubricant, then lubricant transfer is further prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ridges and recesses are introduced only at specific locations along the parting line where capillary action is most problematic, rather than redesigning the entire operation member. This localized modification prevents lubricant transfer at critical points while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge line structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the operation member during injection molding. This preliminary structuring creates built-in barriers against capillary action before lubricant application, preventing lubricant transfer proactively without requiring additional components or complex assembly steps
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 effectively suppresses lubricant transfer to the knob, reducing friction and preventing lubricant leakage, enhancing user experience and aesthetic appeal by maintaining cleanliness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricant applied to the slide portion may be transferred to the knob along the parting lines PL due to capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
An operation unit includes a case and an operation member molded integrally through injection molding. The operation member includes an outer surface and a slide portion supported by the case. The slide portion is slidable and movable relative to the case. The operation member further includes a knob operated by an operator, a parting line formed continuously from the slide portion to the knob along the outer surface, and a ridge line formed on the outer surface. At least part of the parting line is formed along the ridge line.