Push Button Switch Uniform Illumination via Scattering Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-illumination push button switch devices for sewing machines face issues with operability and uniform illumination, with either low operability due to a decentered switching element or non-uniform brightness due to displaced light sources, and often have complex structures to achieve good operation feelings and uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
A push button switch device with a light-transmissible push button member having a central axis aligned with the operation axis, surrounded by light sources, and featuring an incidence surface with concave and convex curved sections to ensure uniform illumination without increasing the number of components, using a recess with a light scattering surface to scatter light uniformly across the push button member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the switching element is decentered with respect to the push button member, then the light sources can be positioned to illuminate the push button member, but the operability deteriorates with low operation feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally decentering the switching element relative to the push button member's central axis. This asymmetric positioning allows the switching element to be located at a position that optimizes both the operational feel and the illumination distribution, resolving the contradiction between operability and illumination effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If light sources are positioned at respective positions displaced from the central axis, then the switching element can be centrally located for good operability, but the illumination uniformity deteriorates with darker central part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the illumination characteristics in different regions of the push button member. The light sources are positioned and configured to provide different illumination intensities to different areas, with the central region receiving sufficient light while peripheral regions are also adequately illuminated, achieving overall uniformity despite the asymmetric light source positioning.
3Illumination intensity
If a mask member is added to guide light to predetermined positions, then the illumination uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases with more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the light guiding function directly into the push button member's structure rather than using a separate mask member. The push button member itself is designed with internal structures or surface features that guide and distribute light uniformly, combining the illumination function with the existing component and avoiding additional parts.
4Illumination intensity
If the push button member is made translucent with light sources at rear side, then the visual effect improves with self-illumination, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the push button member serve multiple functions: it acts as both the operational button and the light diffusion medium. The translucent push button member integrates the structural function of the button with the optical function of light diffusion and guidance, eliminating the need for separate light guides or diffusers and simplifying the overall structure.
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 a good operation feeling and uniform illumination of the push button member's surface, enhancing user experience while maintaining a simpler structure without adding complexity or components, thus addressing the drawbacks of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a light scattering surface which is provided on an inner surface of the recess so as to scatter light
Implementation Method 2
an incidence surface which is provided on the rear surface of the push button member so that light from the light sources is incident thereon, the incidence surface including a concave curved surface that is located so as to substantially face the light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A push button switch device includes a push button disposed on a cover constituting an outer surface of an equipment body and light-transmissible, a switching element behind the push button so that its operation axis substantially corresponds with a central axis of the push button, light sources around the switching element to illuminate the push button and operated by the push button, and an incidence surface on a rear surface of the push button so that light from the light sources is incident on it and including a concave curved surface located so as to face the light sources and a convex curved surface located outside and continuous to the concave curved surface. The push button has a recess in a central rear surface so as to be located inside the incidence surface and a light scattering surface on an inner surface of the recess so as to scatter light.