Push-Button Rotor Switch for Simple Multi-Circuit Seat Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button switches, such as seesaw switches, require complex operations for circuit switching and cannot accommodate multiple settings like a MID setting for seat heaters, necessitating a simpler and multi-circuit switching solution.
Innovation Solution
A push button switch with an auto-return mechanism and a rotor system that rotates 30 degrees per press, allowing seamless transitions between OFF, LOW, MID, and HIGH settings through a single operation, utilizing a movable contact brush, actuator, and spring holder to switch circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seesaw switch mechanism is used for circuit switching, then the switch can maintain locked states (HIGH or LOW setting), but the operation to release the lock becomes troublesome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional seesaw switch mechanism by using a push-button that rotates a rotor in the opposite direction (clockwise instead of counter-clockwise) to achieve circuit switching. This inversion simplifies the operation from complex multi-step locking/unlocking sequences to a single rotational action, while maintaining reliable state transitions through the rotor's positional locking mechanism
2Ease of operation
If a seesaw switch with two settings (HIGH and LOW) is used, then the circuit switching is simple, but it cannot accommodate fine temperature settings like a MID setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotor into multiple positional segments corresponding to different circuit states. By dividing the rotor's rotation into distinct angular positions (each representing a different setting), the mechanism provides multiple temperature options (OFF, LOW, MID, HIGH) while maintaining simple rotational operation. Each segment position engages with corresponding contacts to achieve the desired heating level
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple circuit switching options are added to accommodate fine temperature settings, then the adaptability increases, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal switching mechanism where a single rotor component performs multiple functions by rotating to different positions. The same rotational motion that provides fine temperature control (multiple settings) also simultaneously controls multiple circuits through the contact arrangement, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function and maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
A push button switch(1) of the present invention is configured by comprising:a base (30) having a plurality of terminals arranged separately from each other on a same circumference; a movable contact brush (50) having a plurality of contact portions arranged on the plurality of terminals; a rotor (90) having cams that bring the plurality of contact portions into contact with or separate from the plurality of terminals, and is supported to be capable of rotating about an axis of the base (30); an actuator (70) that abuts against a gear provided on the rotor (90) and moves in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the base (30) to rotate the rotor (90); and a button (60) that abuts against the actuator (70), moves the actuator (70) by a press-in operation, and restores elastically by a spring force.