Push Button Switch Assembly with Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button switch assemblies face issues with sink marks on the visual surface due to one-piece design, manufacturing tolerances, and unstable actuating element positions leading to rattling and inaccurate switching operations.
Innovation Solution
A push button switch assembly with separate push button caps and actuating elements, featuring symmetrically arranged spring legs and a frame with guiding structures to ensure precise positioning and stable operation, eliminating sink marks and tolerances while preventing rattle and ensuring accurate actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the push button cap and actuating element are formed as a one-piece component, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but sink marks are created on the visual surface of the push button cap
Solution Approach 1:
The push button assembly is divided into separate components: the push button cap and the actuating element. This segmentation allows the cap to be manufactured separately without sink marks, while the actuating element is formed separately to perform the switching function. The separate formation of these components eliminates the sink mark problem that occurs when they are formed as a one-piece component.
2Shape
If the push button cap and actuating element are formed as separate components, then sink marks are eliminated and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, but the position of the actuating element becomes undefined and alterable
Solution Approach 1:
A frame is introduced as an intermediary component that receives and guides both the push button cap and the actuating element. This frame provides a stable reference structure that defines the position and orientation of the actuating element relative to the push button cap and the electronic switching element, thereby ensuring accurate and stable positioning despite the separate formation of components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for push button cap and actuating element, then manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, but an unwanted rattle occurs due to undefined actuating element position
Solution Approach 1:
The frame serves as a mediator that guides the actuating element along a defined path and maintains its position relative to the push button cap. This guidance structure eliminates play and prevents the undefined movement that causes rattle, while still allowing for tolerance compensation in the separate component formation.
4Manufacturing precision
If spring legs are arranged at the actuating element to counteract actuation, then accurate and stable positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring legs are integrated directly into the actuating element as part of its structure, rather than being separate components. This merging of the spring function into the actuating element itself provides the necessary restoring force and stable positioning without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The spring legs are formed as an integral part of the actuating element, combining multiple functions in a single component.
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 visually appealing, tolerance-compensated, and rattle-free push button assembly with stable actuating element positioning, ensuring precise switching operations and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring leg is arranged at the actuating element, which counteracts the actuating of the push button cap
Data Source
AI summary
Push button switch assembly for insertion in a control panel of a domestic appliance, the push button switch assembly comprising at least one push button having a push button cap and a separately formed actuating element, in particular an actuating pin, which extends between the push button cap and an electric switching element of the domestic appliance and upon actuating of the push button cap cooperates therewith and acts on the electric switching element to effect a switching operation, and a frame receiving and guiding the at least one push button cap, wherein at least one spring leg is arranged at the actuating element, which counteracts the actuating of the push button cap.