Push Button Axial Length Reduction via Concentric Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable timepieces and apparatuses with push buttons require a longer axial length due to the alignment of coil springs and packings, leading to increased size and weight, and an undesirable thick case body design.
Innovation Solution
A design where the ring-like packing is arranged concentrically with the coil spring within its height range, rather than along the axial direction of the shaft, allowing for a shorter push button length without shifting the packing attachment position, thus reducing the projected width and enabling a more compact case body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coil spring and packing are aligned along the axial direction of the shaft portion, then the packing can be securely attached, but the total length of the push button becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The packing is repositioned from an axial alignment with the coil spring to a radial alignment concentric with the coil spring within its height range. This dimensional change allows the packing to be securely attached for waterproof sealing without increasing the axial length of the push button assembly
2Length of moving object
If the push button axial length is reduced, then the projected width is shortened, but the packing attachment position must be shifted which may compromise sealing
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the packing attachment from axial position to a radial position concentric with the coil spring, the design achieves shortened projected width while maintaining secure packing attachment for reliable waterproof sealing
3Ease of manufacture
If the case body is enlarged to accommodate the push button, then the push button can be properly installed, but the portable timepiece becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The repositioning of the packing to a radial alignment concentric with the coil spring reduces the axial length requirement, allowing for a more compact case body design that is smaller and lighter while still accommodating proper push button installation
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 configuration allows for a shorter axial length of the push button, reducing the projected width and enabling a smaller, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing portable timepiece or apparatus without compromising waterproofing.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring interposed between the operating head and the spring receiving face for urging the push button to an outer side of the apparatus exterior
Implementation Method 2
a ring-like packing attached to either of the pipe and the push button within a range of a height of the coil spring and attached concentrically with the coil spring for sealing an interval between the pipe and the push button
Data Source
AI summary
A portable apparatus has a push button mounted on a casing for operating a contact inside the casing. The push button is axially slidable in a pipe fixed in a through-hole extending through the casing. A coil spring encircles the pipe and is interposed between a flange of the pipe and a head of the push button to urge the push button outwardly. A packing ring for sealing the space between the pipe and push button is attached to either the pipe or the push button in the region where the coil spring encircles the pipe. Since the coil spring overlaps the packing ring, the axial length of the pipe and push button can be shortened to reduce the size of the casing.