Push-Button Switch Actuator-Rocker Layout for Long Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button switches often lack a compact design with a reliable mechanism and sufficient travel path, and there is a need for easy conversion between bistable and monostable operations.
Innovation Solution
The push-button switch features an actuator with prongs that engage with an under rocker, allowing a long travel path without interference, and includes resilient members for smooth operation and return to the central position, with optional illumination and spring-loaded mechanisms for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional push button switch with separate actuator and switch body is used, then the switch can be easily replaced, but the overall device size increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator and switch body into a single integrated unit. The actuator is formed as an integral part of the switch body, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size while maintaining ease of replacement through modular cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator-switch body design serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism and the switch housing, while the cartridge assembly provides universal replaceability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional push button switch with separate actuator and switch body is used, then the switch can be easily replaced, but the overall device size increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and switch body are merged into a seamless integrated unit with smooth transitions and continuous surfaces. This eliminates visible seams and joints, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining the replaceability benefit through the cartridge assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional push button switch with separate actuator and switch body is used, then the switch can be easily replaced, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer parts: the actuator is integrated with the switch body, and the contact assembly is integrated with the actuator. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining ease of replacement through the modular cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly serves as a universal replaceable unit that contains multiple components (contact assembly, actuator, switch body). This multi-functional cartridge reduces the number of separate replaceable parts needed while maintaining ease of replacement.
4Ease of manufacture
If a conventional push button switch with separate actuator and switch body is used, then the switch can be easily replaced, but the actuator may detach during insertion causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is permanently integrated with the switch body through overmolding, creating a single rigid unit that cannot detach during insertion. This eliminates alignment issues while maintaining ease of replacement through the cartridge assembly design.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and switch body are pre-assembled and secured together before the cartridge is installed in the final device. This preliminary integration ensures proper alignment is maintained throughout insertion and operation, preventing detachment issues.
Data Source
Figure 1~4c
Figure 5~7c
Figure 8a~8f
AI summary
A push-button switch comprises at least two terminals for connecting wiring. A movable contact selectively makes contact between the terminals. An under rocker, rotatable between two positions around a first axis, and having engagement surfaces disposed at a distance at opposing sides thereof, acts on the movable contact. A pivotable actuator, translatable towards the first axis, has two prongs extending at an end opposite of the pivoting point. Each prong selectively engages with an associated one of the engagement surfaces of the under rocker. Depressing a button, movably arranged in the base housing between an idle position and an operated position, moves it towards the first axis and transfers the movement of the button on the actuator. The first axis is located between the prongs when the button is in the operated position. The actuator is maintained in a non-pivoted position when the button is in the idle position.