Push Button Backlash Absorption via Elastic Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with push buttons suffer from backlash due to dimensional tolerance issues, leading to product quality degradation and requiring skilled manufacturing, which can result in varying product quality and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A switching device design that includes a base member and a push button with an engaging part and an elastic part, where the elastic part is pressed against a supporting shaft, allowing the push button to rotate and absorb backlash, thereby eliminating front-and-rear, lateral, or vertical backlash and providing a margin in dimensional tolerance, allowing for easier assembly and reduced manufacturing skill requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dimensional tolerance among members is minimized to reduce backlash, then product quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic part acts as an intermediary element between the engaging part and the rotational shaft. It provides a compliant connection that absorbs dimensional variations and prevents backlash without requiring high-precision manufacturing. The elastic deformation of this intermediate element compensates for tolerance accumulations in the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of one of the components by introducing an elastic part that can deform. This allows the system to accommodate dimensional variations through elastic deformation rather than requiring rigid precision fits, thereby reducing manufacturing skill requirements while maintaining low backlash.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dimensional tolerance is minimized to eliminate backlash, then push button stability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic part serves as a mediator that absorbs dimensional tolerances in the assembly, providing stable push button operation without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances. This enables standard manufacturing processes to produce stable assemblies, maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic part provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in a state that allows it to absorb subsequent dimensional variations during assembly. This pre-compliance feature ensures stable push button operation while allowing efficient manufacturing with standard tolerances.
3Manufacturing precision
If elastic part is pressed against supporting shaft to absorb backlash, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic part functions as a flexible element that can be integrated into the existing push button structure. This flexible component absorbs backlash through elastic deformation without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical state of the connection from rigid to elastic, the patent achieves backlash elimination without complex mechanisms. The elastic part's deformable nature provides a simple yet effective solution to the backlash problem.
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 solution effectively prevents backlash in the push button, enhancing product quality and manufacturing efficiency by allowing for easier assembly and reducing the need for specialized manufacturing skills.
Implementation Method 1
One of the push button or the base member includes an engaging part and an elastic part, while another one of the push button or the base member includes a rotational shaft with which the engaging part is rotatably engaged, and a supporting shaft against which the elastic part is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device capable of receiving pressing operations for an electronic device is provided. The switching device includes a push button rotatably supported on an upper surface of a base member, and a detection switch that is pressed when the push button is pressed to rotate. Either the push button or the base member includes an engaging part and an elastic part, while the other one of the push button or the base member includes a rotational shaft with which the engaging part is rotatably engaged and a supporting shaft against which the elastic part is pressed. The push button rotates about an engaged portion between the engaging part and the rotational shaft with the elastic part being pressed against the supporting shaft, and presses the detection switch.