Push-Rotary Knob Assembly for Electrical Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control devices, such as knob dimmers and fan controls, primarily offer rotation functionality but lack a push switch function, limiting their ability to effectively adjust and control electrical loads.
Innovation Solution
A load control device incorporating a knob frame with an elastic portion that deforms upon movement, triggering a switch component for load control, and returns to its original position to release the trigger, enabling both rotation and push functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a knob assembly is designed with only rotation function, then the structure is simple, but the functionality is limited and cannot achieve push switch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The knob frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate to drive the adjustment component for load regulation, and it can be pushed to trigger the switch component for on/off control. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating both rotational and linear movement capabilities into a single component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion is designed to deform under pushing force and then recover to its original shape, dynamically enabling the knob frame to transition between different operational states (rotational position vs. pushed position) and return to its initial configuration after each operation.
2Ease of operation
If the knob frame is pushed to trigger the switch, then the push function is achieved, but the elastic portion undergoes deformation requiring recovery mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portion serves itself by automatically deforming when the knob frame is pushed and then automatically recovering to its original shape after the pushing force is removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional reset mechanisms or external power sources to restore the switch trigger position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the knob frame rotates to adjust load, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the same component must also enable push switching
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the knob frame are optimized for different functions: the gripping portion is designed for rotational manipulation to adjust load, while other portions are configured to respond to pushing forces for switch triggering. This local differentiation allows clear distinction between rotation and push operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob frame operates in multiple dimensional modes: rotational movement in the angular dimension for load adjustment, and linear displacement in the axial dimension for switch triggering. This multi-dimensional operation allows a single component to achieve diverse control functions.
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 device achieves simultaneous rotation and pressing functions, enhancing the capability to adjust and control electrical loads efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic portion is configured to move toward the connecting portion in response to the knob frame moving toward a first direction, thereby undergoing elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
move toward a second direction opposite to the first direction under action of the elastic portion moving away from the connection portion due to recovery from elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A load control device for regulating an electrical load includes: a support component including a connection portion; a knob frame including a gripping portion and an elastic portion, the gripping portion at least partially surrounding the support component and configured to drive the knob frame to rotate in response to a rotational force acting thereon, the elastic portion configured to move toward the connecting portion in response to the knob frame moving in a first direction, thereby undergoing elastic deformation; a first circuit board component; a switch trigger component; a switch component coupled to the first circuit board component, for controlling the load in response to triggering and releasing the triggering from the switch trigger component; and an adjustment component coupled to the first circuit board component, for adjusting the load in response to the rotation of the knob frame. The load control device simultaneously realizes rotation and pressing functions of the knob frame. A system including the load control device is also disclosed.