Push Switch Buffer Member for Soft Pressing Sensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push switches often provide an unpleasant sensation when pressed due to rapid increases in operation load, leading to a feeling of the finger being halted, rather than a soft and preferable sensation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a buffer member, such as a leaf spring or conductive rubber, between the substrate and the movable member to adjust the operation load during the inversion of the dome-shaped movable member, thereby moderating the change in load and providing a softer sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the movable member is pressed directly without a buffer member, then the switch operation is simple and reliable, but the operation load increases rapidly causing an unpleasant sensation
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the pressing member and the movable member. This buffer member gradually increases the operation load during the inversion process of the dome-shaped movable member, preventing the rapid load increase that causes unpleasant sensation. The buffer member acts as a mediator that smooths the force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member changes the operational parameters by controlling the rate of load increase during switch actuation. Instead of immediate full force transmission, the buffer member modulates the force parameter over time, creating a gradual increase in operation load that provides a pleasant pressing sensation.
2Ease of operation
If a buffer member is added to adjust operation load, then the pressing sensation becomes softer and more pleasant, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member can be implemented as a thin flexible film or sheet that is integrated into the switch structure. This flexible film approach adds minimal complexity while effectively providing the load adjustment function. The thin film can be made from elastic materials that naturally provide the gradual force increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member may be constructed from composite materials that combine different properties to achieve both the load adjustment function and structural integration. By using composite materials, the buffer member can provide the necessary mechanical properties while maintaining a compact design that minimizes overall device complexity.
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 buffer member ensures a more gradual increase in operation load, resulting in a softer and more pleasant pressing experience by distributing the force effectively across the stroke of the switch.
Implementation Method 1
the buffer member adjusting an operation load applied to the movable member during inversion of the dome shape
Implementation Method 2
the movable member being pressed so as to invert the dome shape and thereby establish conduction between the first fixed contact point and the second fixed contact point
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a switch module and a push switch that have a soft sensation when pressed. A push switch and a switch module have a substrate, a first fixed contact point disposed on the substrate surface, a second fixed contact point disposed around the first fixed contact point on the substrate surface, a convex dome-shaped upper spring disposed on the substrate surface so that an end part is in contact with the second fixed contact point, the upper spring being pressed so as to invert the dome shape and to establish conduction between the first fixed contact point and the second fixed contact point, and a lower spring disposed below the upper spring, the lower spring adjusting the operation load applied to the upper spring during inversion of the dome shape.