Pivoting Rocker Switch Actuator Design for Compact Low-Cost Mechanical Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switches that automatically return to their rest position using mechanical mechanisms protrude significantly from the base, increasing space requirements, while electronic mechanisms provide a similar user experience at a higher cost.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical electric switch design featuring a pivoting key with a proximal and distal portion actuator, where the distal portion contacts the actuation point at an angle, optimizing the ratio of key travel to actuator length to provide a low-cost, user-friendly switching experience similar to electronic switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical mechanism is used for electric driving, then the cost is reduced, but the key protrudes significantly from the base
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to pivot about a rotation axis that is offset from the center of the base, creating a lever arm that amplifies the key's rotational motion into sufficient linear displacement at the actuation point. This dimensional arrangement allows the key to maintain a compact protrusion distance while still achieving the necessary actuation travel through the pivoting geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator combines the key's rotational motion about the pivoting axis with a second pivoting motion about the rotation axis, merging two rotational movements to achieve the linear actuation displacement. This combination allows the system to achieve effective actuation with a compact key structure.
2Length of moving object
If the key protrudes less from the base, then the space requirement is reduced, but the driving force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a second pivoting axis offset from the base center, the system transforms the key's small-amplitude rotation into a larger displacement at the actuation point through the lever arm effect. The perpendicular distance from the rotation axis to the actuation point creates mechanical advantage, amplifying both displacement and force.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator's pivoting mechanism creates a counterbalancing effect where the offset rotation axis generates sufficient driving force through geometric leverage, compensating for the reduced key protrusion distance and maintaining adequate actuation force.
3Force
If the actuator length is increased, then the actuation force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as a lever arm for force amplification, a pivot mechanism for motion transformation, and a compact coupling between the key and actuation point. This multi-functionality is achieved through the offset pivoting geometry rather than additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the parameters of the pivoting geometry, specifically the offset distance of the rotation axis from the base center and the perpendicular distance to the actuation point, to achieve the required force and displacement with minimal structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical switch comprising at least one rocker button (4) which pivots about a pivot shaft (5), and a base (2) provided with at least one electrical connection/disconnection actuation point (3), such that the pivoting of the button (4) causes a pressure to be applied against the at least one actuation point (3) and results in an electrical connection or disconnection. The switch is characterised in that the base (2) comprises at least one rocker actuator (6). The resulting electrical switch is a reduced-cost mechanical switch that automatically returns to its rest position and that feels the same as an electronic electrical switch to the user.