Push-Pull Switch Rotational Mechanism Single-Surface Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing push-pull switch devices face challenges in assemblability due to the need to mount contact portions on both surfaces of the switch board, making the assembly process time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A push-pull switch design where a movable portion performs distinct moving operations in response to the operation portion's movement, allowing both switches to be attached to one surface of the board, with the connecting mechanism facilitating rotational movements and reducing the complexity and time required for assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contact portions are mounted on both surfaces of the switch board, then the switch functionality is achieved, but the assembly time increases and assemblability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch functionalityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable portion that performs rotational movement around an axis, converting the traditional linear pressing motion into rotational motion. This dimensional change allows the single operation portion to activate switches on one surface through rotational leverage, eliminating the need for contact portions on both surfaces and reducing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If contact portions are mounted on both surfaces of the switch board, then the switch functionality is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch functionalityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both the operation transmission element and the activation element for both switches. By rotating around the axis, a single movable portion can simultaneously or sequentially activate the first and second switches, reducing the number of components needed and simplifying the overall assembly structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the connecting mechanism is positioned farther from the axis, then the rotational leverage is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational leverageVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic rotational mechanism where the movable portion rotates around a fixed axis rather than requiring complex mechanical linkages. This dynamic approach provides effective leverage through rotation while maintaining structural simplicity, as the connecting mechanism only needs to transmit rotational motion rather than manage complex multi-axis movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3229248B1Push-pull switch device
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3229248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3229248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3229248B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A push-pull switch device (10, 110) according to an aspect of the present invention includes an operation portion (50, 150), a movable portion (20, 120) that moves with the movement in a first direction of the operation portion (50, 150), a first switch (61, 161) and a second switch (62, 162) that are activated by the movement of the movable portion (20, 120), and a board (70) to one surface of which the first switch (61, 161) and the second switch (62, 162) are attached. The movable portion (20, 120) performs a first moving operation with the movement of the operation portion (50, 150) in one sense in the first direction, and performs a second moving operation different from the first moving operation with the movement of the operation portion (50, 150) in the other sense in the first direction. The first moving operation differs from the movement of the operation portion (50, 150) in one sense in the first direction. The second moving operation differs from the movement of the operation portion (50, 150) in the other sense in the first direction. The first switch (61, 161) is activated by the first moving operation of the movable portion (20, 120). The second switch (62, 162) is activated by the second moving operation of the movable portion (20, 120).