Push-Push Switch Drive Mechanism with Single Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switches of the 'push-push' type are complex and costly due to the multiplicity of parts required for bistable state change, leading to increased manufacturing costs and switch size, particularly in guiding the nut for correct positioning relative to the driver, which complicates the internal arrangement and increases the overall size.
Innovation Solution
The electrical switch employs a single piece forming the drive means with a pantographic displacement system and a single compression spring for both elastic return and tilting, reducing the number of parts and allowing the nut to be centered relative to the push-button, thus simplifying the internal arrangement and reducing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for elastic return means and elastic tilting means, then the switch can perform bistable state change function, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elastic return means and elastic tilting means into a single spring component. This spring simultaneously provides the return force to restore the push button to its initial position and the tilting force to actuate the driver between stable positions, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining the bistable state change function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spring is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the elastic return means (providing restoring force) and the elastic tilting means (providing actuating force). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall switch structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional guiding mechanisms are used for the nut, then the nut can be positioned correctly relative to the driver, but the guide length and housing arrangements increase the switch size and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex traditional guiding mechanisms (slideways and associated housing arrangements) from the switch design. Instead, it uses a simplified guiding system that achieves the necessary nut positioning accuracy without requiring long guide lengths or complex housing modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the guiding parameters by using a different geometric arrangement and motion path for the nut. This allows the nut to be correctly positioned relative to the driver through a more compact guiding mechanism, reducing both the guide length and the complexity of housing arrangements.
3Force
If multiple separate springs are used for return and tilting functions, then the switch can achieve proper force distribution, but the manufacturing cost and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return spring and tilting spring into a single integrated spring component. This unified spring is engineered to provide the appropriate force distribution for both the return function and the tilting function simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate springs and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spring's physical parameters (such as wire diameter, coil density, and active coils) to optimize its performance for dual functions. By carefully selecting these parameters, the single spring can generate the required force distribution for both returning the push button and actuating the driver, replacing multiple springs with one optimized 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
This configuration reduces the number of parts and manufacturing costs, allows for a more compact design by aligning the spring, nut, and driver in the same plane, enhancing the switch's operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
said elastic return means which tend to return said push-button to its rest position comprise a spring which is compressed between said drive means and the bottom of the switch housing, this spring permanently pushing said drive means towards said push-button
Implementation Method 2
said elastic tilting means, to which the trainer is subjected, and which, in response to an action of the nut on the latter, are capable, after crossing a hard point, of soliciting the trainer in the direction of the one or the other of its stable positions and to then hold it elastically therein
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 6~5
AI summary
The switch (100) has a push-button moved between a rest position and an inserted position. A nut (160) is rotatably mounted with respect to the push-button. A driving unit (180) jointly moves the nut by the push-button. Elastic return units permanently restore the push-button in the rest position. Elastic tilting units are arranged to move a carrier (150) in both directions of stable positions. The elastic return units and the elastic tilting units are formed by a single spring compressed between the nut and the carrier.