Push-Button Switch Tolerance Compensation for Consistent Short-Stroke Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric pushbutton switches face challenges in achieving optimal short-stroke haptics due to manufacturing-related dimensional deviations, leading to excessive play or pretension, which results in inconsistent and undesirable switching feedback, especially in large user interfaces with limited installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one resilient tolerance compensation element, such as a coil spring, between the guide housing and the actuation element, which directs its elastic force in the actuation direction and opposes the restoring force of the return spring, allowing for compensation of manufacturing-related variations without the need for external adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are reduced to achieve consistent short-stroke haptics, then switching feedback quality improves, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient element as an intermediary component between the actuation element and the switching element. This mediator absorbs dimensional variations through its elastic deformation, ensuring consistent haptic feedback without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on other components. The resilient element acts as a buffer that decouples the dimensional precision requirements from the critical haptic path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the system by introducing elasticity through the resilient element. By allowing controlled elastic deformation in non-critical areas, the system compensates for dimensional variations and maintains consistent switching characteristics. This parameter change transforms rigid dimensional requirements into flexible force-displacement relationships.
2Manufacturing precision
If an adjustment system is added to compensate for tolerances, then switching feedback consistency improves, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides automatic tolerance compensation through its inherent elastic properties. No external adjustment mechanism is required - the element self-adjusts to dimensional variations during assembly and operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional adjustment systems while maintaining switching feedback consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element serves as a compact intermediary that absorbs dimensional variations within its own structure. Rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, the compensation function is integrated into the existing component layout, minimizing additional space requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If an external adjustment system is used to compensate for tolerances, then haptic consistency improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element performs tolerance compensation automatically during normal operation without requiring user intervention. The elastic deformation occurs naturally as the actuation element moves, providing consistent haptic feedback without any manual adjustment needed. This eliminates accessibility issues entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element is pre-configured to provide the necessary elastic compensation before the product is delivered to the user. During assembly, the element is installed in a state that automatically compensates for dimensional variations, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustment by the end user.
4Speed
If the switching path is reduced for contemporary feel, then responsiveness improves, but tolerance sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element acts as a mediator that decouples the short switching path from tolerance accumulation. By placing the resilient element in the force transmission path rather than the dimensional chain, the system achieves responsive switching without being sensitive to dimensional variations in the compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the nature of the switching mechanism by introducing elastic deformation. Instead of relying solely on rigid dimensional precision for short-stroke operation, the system uses elastic force-displacement characteristics to provide consistent haptic feedback, making the responsiveness less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances.
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 ensures consistent and reliable short-stroke haptics by compensating for dimensional tolerances, reducing noise and improving the switching feel, and eliminates the requirement for external calibration or adjustment systems, making it suitable for compact installations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient element (e.g., at least one coil spring) arranged between the guide housing and the actuation element to compensate for tolerances
Implementation Method 2
The action of spring force of the at least one resilient element being directed in the direction of actuation of the actuation element
Data Source
AI summary
An electric pushbutton switch includes a guide housing, a switching element having a haptic element that produces a pressure point and a return spring that generates a restoring force, an actuator for actuating the switching element, and a resilient tolerance compensation element arranged between the guide housing and the actuator. The switching element being stationary relative to the guide housing and the actuator being movable relative to the guide housing. The actuator actuates the switching element against the restoring force when the actuator is moved relative to the guide housing in an actuating direction of the actuator towards the switching element. The resilient tolerance compensation element is arranged between the guide housing and the actuator. The resilient compensation element has a spring force directed in the actuating direction of the actuator towards the switching element and opposite the restoring force of the return spring of the switching element.