Push Button Switch Anti-Jamming Guide System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button operated switches face issues with jamming due to increased axial encumbrance and complexity, leading to a higher number of components and vulnerability to dust or sand intrusion, which affects their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular push button operated switch with a system of spatially distributed guides, including first and second guide elements, that reduce friction surfaces and prevent jamming by maintaining a distance between the push button and the case, along with an elastic element for returning the push button to its backward position and snap-fit coupling elements for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide elements are added to prevent jamming, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are integrated directly into the case structure, merging the guiding function with the case itself. This eliminates the need for separate guide components while still providing the necessary guidance and jamming prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The case serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses internal components, and simultaneously acts as a guide element through its internal geometry. The recessed compartment and lateral walls of the case create guiding surfaces that constrain the push button's movement without requiring additional dedicated guide components.
2Reliability
If guide elements are added to prevent jamming, then reliability is improved, but axial encumbrance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function is merged into the case structure itself, eliminating the need for separate axial guide components. The internal geometry of the case, including its recessed compartment and lateral walls, provides the guiding surfaces needed to prevent jamming without adding axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding guide elements that extend axially, the solution uses the radial and lateral dimensions of the case to create guiding surfaces. The guide elements are formed by the case's internal geometry in the radial direction, which prevents jamming without increasing axial encumbrance.
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 significantly reduces the risk of jamming, minimizes axial encumbrance, and enhances the switch's resistance to dust and sand intrusion while maintaining a compact and simplified design with fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element for returning the push button to its backward position
Implementation Method 2
first guide elements (22, 32) operatively interposed between the lateral walls of the case and the lateral walls of the body of the push button; second guide elements (23, 24, 33, 34) spaced apart with respect to the first guide elements (22, 32) and placed with respect to the first guide elements (22, 32) at a lower distance from the bottom wall of the case
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
1. A push button operated switch (10) including: • - a case (20) made of electrically insulating material, having a bottom wall (21), lateral walls (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) being joined to the bottom wall (21) and an open side (21') opposite to the bottom wall (21); • - a push button (30) that can be operated to command an electrical commutation of the switch (10) having a body provided with lateral walls (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) crossing said open side (21'), the push button (10) being adapted to slide with respect to the case (20) along a sliding axis (Z-Z), between a forward position and a backward position; • - a system of spatially distributed guides adapted to guide the sliding of the push button with respect to the case along said sliding axis. The system of spatially distributed guides includes: • - first guide elements (22, 32) operatively interposed between the lateral walls of the push button (30) and the lateral walls of the case (20); • - second guide elements (24, 34) spaced apart with respect to the first guide elements (22, 32) and placed with respect to the first guide elements (22, 32) at a lower distance from the bottom wall (21).