Push Button Display Cover Locking Structure for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button switches lack a practical method to easily change or replace the display designs on their push buttons, limiting the ability to showcase various information such as logos or symbols.
Innovation Solution
A display cover apparatus with a holder and housing system that allows for removable and replaceable display covers, featuring lock hooks, alignment hooks, and a flexible retaining washer to secure the display cover in a fixed orientation, enabling easy application and removal with fingers or thumbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed logo or design is placed on the push button, then the push button has a stable and simple structure, but the display design cannot be easily changed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The display cover is divided into separate components: the cover itself with display elements, lock hooks for attachment, and an alignment hook for positioning. This segmentation allows the display cover to be easily detached and replaced while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The display cover transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic replaceable component. The lock hooks and alignment hook enable the cover to be temporarily attached and detached, allowing the system to adapt to different display design requirements without permanent modification.
2Ease of operation
If a replaceable display cover system is implemented, then the display design can be easily changed, but the structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment hook and lock hooks are designed to work together in a self-aligning manner. When the display cover is approached for attachment, the alignment hook automatically guides it into the correct position, and the lock hooks engage automatically, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure incorporates localized features (alignment slot, lock slots) only where needed for specific functions. The bulk of the holder remains simple, with complexity concentrated in small, targeted areas that enable easy display cover replacement without making the entire structure complex.
3Reliability
If lock hooks are used to secure the display cover, then the cover is firmly attached, but the cover cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism works bidirectionally: during attachment, the lock hooks engage firmly to secure the cover; during removal, the same lock hooks can be easily disengaged by applying slight upward pressure. The alignment hook ensures proper positioning during attachment but does not interfere with removal, creating a reversible locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock hooks provide sufficient securing force for normal operation (partial action needed) but are designed with enough clearance and flexibility to allow easy disengagement when force is applied (excessive action for removal). The alignment hook provides precise positioning without creating excessive resistance to removal.
4Ease of operation
If the display cover is made flexible to allow button operation, then the button can be pressed through the cover, but the cover may rotate or misalign on the holder
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment hook and alignment slot create an asymmetric positioning system that prevents rotation. The alignment hook has a specific shape that fits into the alignment slot in only one orientation, ensuring the display cover maintains correct alignment even when flexible material deforms under button pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The display cover is made from flexible material that can deform to accommodate button operation. This flexibility allows the button to be pressed through the cover while the rigid alignment and locking features maintain positional stability and prevent rotation during the deformation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A display cover apparatus having a display cover for a push button on a push button switch, a holder for the display cover, and a housing. The display cover has lock hooks and the holder has a hollow interior, a top end with lock slots that removably connect to the lock hooks, a bottom end, a flexible retaining washer in a groove at the bottom end, and a locking key between the top end and the bottom end. The holder is positioned on a circular shelf in an interior of the housing. The circular shelf has an internal circular flange with a locking slot that receives the locking key to prevent rotation of the holder in the housing. The flexible retaining washer is positioned beneath the flange. The circular shelf and the flexible retaining washer prevent linear movement of the holder in the housing. An alignment hook on the display cover removably connects to an alignment slot on the holder, thereby preventing the display cover from rotating on the holder.