Push Button Lever Assembly With Stroke Limiting for Tactile Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button switching assemblies for electrical apparatus face issues with inconsistent actuation force due to varying wall regulations, leading to improper switching and potential damage to tactile switches, as they lack adjustable stroke length and are prone to stress concentration, resulting in unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A push button switching assembly with a lever arm that elastically deforms to transmit force to the tactile switch, featuring a stopper member to prevent over-pressing and an elastic restoring member like a coil spring to maintain flatness with the front cover, ensuring proper actuation regardless of wall conditions, and a snap-fit locking mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional cantilever flex arm lever arm is used in the push button switching assembly, then the structure is simple, but stress concentration occurs at the hinge point leading to crack/breakage after thousands of operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm is divided into multiple segments: a front portion with a dip that contacts the tactile switch, a middle portion with a hinge point, and a rear portion that contacts the push button. This segmentation allows each segment to bear specific loads and deformations, distributing stress away from the hinge point and preventing crack propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm is designed as a flexible component that dynamically adjusts its shape during actuation. The front portion bends downward to contact the tactile switch, while the rear portion moves upward to receive the push button force. This dynamic deformation distributes stress throughout the lever arm rather than concentrating it at the hinge point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the push button switching assembly is mounted on walls with wallpapers or irregular regulations, then installation flexibility is reduced, but a gap is created between the aesthetic cover and tactile switch causing improper switching action
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm provides dynamic stroke length adjustment. When the push button is pressed, the lever arm bends and the dip contacts the tactile switch at the appropriate position. This dynamic adjustment compensates for gaps caused by wall irregularities or wallpapers, ensuring reliable switching action regardless of installation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective stroke length of the push button assembly is changed by the lever arm's deformation. The dip on the lever arm contacts the tactile switch at a position that accounts for variations in wall regulation, effectively adjusting the stroke length parameter to maintain proper switching action across different installation conditions.
3Device complexity
If a fixed stroke length push button assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the tactile switch may not get actuated or may get damaged due to inadequate or excess actuation force
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm dynamically adjusts the actuation force transmitted to the tactile switch. As the push button is pressed, the lever arm bends and the dip contacts the tactile switch, providing the exact force needed for actuation. The flexible nature of the lever arm prevents both inadequate force (which would fail to actuate) and excessive force (which would damage the switch).
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm acts as a cushioning element before the force reaches the tactile switch. The flexible portion of the lever arm absorbs excess force through elastic deformation, protecting the tactile switch from damage while ensuring sufficient force is transmitted for reliable actuation.
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
The solution provides reliable and aesthetically pleasing tactile switch actuation across different installation conditions, preventing damage from excessive force and ensuring consistent switching performance by adjusting stroke length and maintaining alignment with the front cover.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm having a terminal portion configured to elastically deform in a downward direction towards said tactile switch such that upon actuation said terminal portion transmits the force applied on said push button onto said tactile switch
Implementation Method 2
an elastic restoring member is disposed around said push button providing a push back force which brings said push button to its initial position for next operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4(c)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a push button switching assembly (100) for actuation of tactile switches (104) in an electrical apparatus. The push button switching assembly (100) comprises a base frame (102), a tactile switch (104) mounted within said base frame (102), an actuation member (106), a front cover (108); and a push button (110) extending through said front cover (108). The actuation member (106) is provided with a lever arm (112) such that upon actuation, said terminal portion (114) transmits the force applied on said push button (110) onto said tactile switch (104). A downward protruding stopper member (116) is provided on said lever arm such that once the tactile switch (104) is pressed said stopper member (116) restricts further movement of said push button (110).