Push-Button Switch Sound and Contact Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound-function-equipped push-button switches face challenges in synchronizing the timing of sound generation and contact opening/closing, requiring increased manufacturing accuracy and cost due to separate arrangements of sounders and contact pieces.
Innovation Solution
A push-button switch design where a torsion coil spring powers both sound generation and contact operation, using elastic energy to slide a sounder that hits a hitting piece while simultaneously locking a movable contact with a fixed contact, allowing for synchronized sound and contact timing without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sounders and contact pieces are arranged and operated independently through a plunger, then the sound function and contact function can be independently controlled, but the synchronization of sound generation timing and contact opening/closing timing requires improved manufacturing accuracy and assembly accuracy which increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sounder and contact pieces into a single integrated unit where both functions share common components (plunger, spring, housing). The sounder diaphragm and contact piece are positioned to be actuated simultaneously by the same plunger movement, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms and ensuring automatic synchronization of sound generation and contact closure without requiring high manufacturing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger serves multiple functions simultaneously: it actuates the sounder diaphragm to generate sound, moves the contact piece to close the circuit, and provides the mechanical linkage between the button and these components. The spring serves both to return the plunger to its initial position and to provide the force for contact closure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sounders and contact pieces are used with independent operation, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the assembly complexity and accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sounder and contact piece are merged into a single assembly unit that is actuated by one plunger. The diaphragm and contact piece are positioned in the same housing and both respond to the same mechanical input, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining functional optimization through proper positioning and design of each component within the integrated structure.
3Ease of repair
If the sounder and contact pieces are separately arranged, then maintenance and replacement can be performed independently, but the synchronization accuracy deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sounder and contact piece are combined in a way that they share common actuation components (plunger, spring, housing), which automatically ensures synchronization accuracy since both functions respond to the same mechanical input. The integrated design eliminates synchronization errors that would arise from independent operation while still allowing for practical maintenance approaches.
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
This design enables reliable synchronization of sound generation and contact opening/closing timing, enhancing user recognition of operation acceptance without elevating manufacturing costs, using a torsion coil spring to stabilize and extend the durability of the sounder mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion coil spring that stores or releases elastic energy during sliding of the plunger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A configuration that easily generates an operation sound and opening/closing of a contact at the same time or substantially at the same time, without increasing manufacturing cost. A push-button switch 1 having a sound function, wherein a button 11 accepts a pushing operation. A second plunger 13 slides in coordination with the pushing operation on the button 11. A torsion coil spring 14 stores or releases elastic energy together with sliding of the second plunger 13. A sounder unit 15 slides using elastic energy released by the torsion coil spring 14 at the same time as the torsion coil spring 14 elastically deforms, and the sounder unit 15 generates a hitting sound by impacting a hitting piece 181. A movable contact piece 16 has a movable-side contact Pm and is capable of moving due to being pushed by the sliding sounder unit 15. A fixed contact piece 17 has a fixed side contact Pf, the movable-side contact Pm being engaged with the fixed side contact Pf at the same time or substantially at the same time as the sounder unit 15 hits the hitting piece 181.