Compact Push Switch With Articulated Movable Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push switches with dome-shaped movable contacts require significant space for accommodation, limiting their compactness and efficiency in switching operations.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design featuring a movable member with intersecting contact members, including first and second movable contacts, and a movable joint that positions fixture contacts at short distances, allowing for a compact body and efficient switching without the need for extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dome-shaped movable contact is used for buckling distortion switching, then the switching function is achieved, but a large space is required for accommodating the movable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The movable contact is divided into multiple segments (first movable contact, second movable contact, third movable contact) connected by movable joints, allowing each segment to move independently and reducing the overall space required compared to a single large dome-shaped contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional dome-shaped contact to a three-dimensional articulated structure with multiple movable contacts arranged in different spatial positions, enabling compact packaging while maintaining switching functionality
2Reliability
If the movable contact is positioned to allow sufficient movement range, then reliable electrical connection is maintained, but the overall device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges movable contacts and fixture contacts in a distributed three-dimensional configuration rather than aligning them vertically, allowing sufficient movement range for reliable electrical connection while maintaining a compact overall device height
Solution Approach 2:
The movable joints and movable contacts are nested within the housing structure, with each component positioned to maximize space utilization and minimize the overall device height while maintaining necessary movement ranges
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 design achieves a compact and efficient switching mechanism by positioning contacts at short distances, enabling a low-height, thin body while maintaining reliable electrical connections and reducing frictional forces.
Implementation Method 1
This reversing is performed by buckling distortion of the movable contact
Implementation Method 2
the deformable contact element also has a dome shape. It is thus necessary to reserve a large space for accommodating the movable contact
Data Source
AI summary
A push switch includes: a first fixture contact; a second fixture contact; a member that holds the first and second fixture contacts; a movable member positioned opposite a surface of the member in an operation direction; and a contact member. The contact member includes: a first support and a second support that are supported by the member; and a joint that joins the first support to the second support. The movable joint is disposed between the joint of the movable member and the member, with neither the first support nor the second support overlapping the movable member in a planar view.