Push Switch Holder Aligns Driving Protrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-type switch devices face issues with positional deviations between the driving protrusion and the reversing spring, leading to unreliable click feelings and complex assembly processes, which compromise the reliability and multi-functionality of the switch.

Innovation Solution

A push-type switch device design featuring a holder with a perforation hole that precisely aligns the driving protrusion with the center of the reversing spring, allowing for easy assembly and rotation, while maintaining high positional accuracy through snap-connection and press-fitting methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the driving protrusion is adhered to the reversing spring to be fixed thereto, then the positional deviation between the driving protrusion and the reversing spring is eliminated, but the assembly process becomes complicated and the reliability decreases due to adhesive cracks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component that positions the driving protrusion relative to the reversing spring. The holder includes a positioning protrusion that fits into a positioning hole in the reversing spring, and a driving protrusion receiving portion that holds the driving protrusion. This mediator eliminates the need for direct adhesion while maintaining positional accuracy, thereby simplifying assembly and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the driving protrusion is adhered to the reversing spring, then the positional deviation is eliminated, but the reliability decreases due to crack generation in the adhesive from repeated push operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidswitch device reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder acts as a mechanical intermediary that replaces the adhesive connection. The positioning protrusion of the holder engages with the positioning hole in the reversing spring through a snap-fit or press-fit mechanism, providing a reliable, crack-free connection that maintains positional accuracy throughout the device's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the driving protrusion is adhered to the reversing spring, then the positional accuracy is maintained, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases when multi-functionality is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidmulti-functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different types of manipulation members (push buttons, rotary knobs, etc.). The holder's positioning mechanism remains the same, but the manipulation member can be changed to provide different functions, thereby reducing structural complexity and cost for multi-functional switch devices.

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

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

Ensures a clear click feeling and high reliability during push operations, simplifies assembly, and enables multi-functional capabilities without increasing structural complexity or cost, as the holder accurately positions the switch casing on the interconnection substrate.

Implementation Method 1

When the center portion of the reversing spring is pushed down by a predetermined amount, the reversing spring is elastically deformed in a buckling manner to be reversed while generating a click feeling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the reversing spring is elastically deformed in a buckling manner to be reversed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuckling:

Implementation Method 3

maintaining high positional accuracy through snap-connection and press-fitting methods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap-connection: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

maintaining high positional accuracy through snap-connection and press-fitting methods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPress-fitting: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2151840B1Push-type switch device
Publication Date: 2014.07.16 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP2151840B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2151840B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2151840B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a push-type switch device including: a switch element (2) in which a dome-shaped reversing spring (8) is accommodated in a switch casing (4); a holder (5) which is mounted to the outside portion of the switch casing (4) so as to define a position relative to the switch casing (4) and has a perforation hole formed at a position adjacent to a center portion of the reversing spring (8) so as to face the center portion; and a driving protrusion (9) which is inserted through the perforation hole so as to reciprocate and is driven to push the reversing spring (8), wherein when the holder (5) mounted on an upper portion of the switch casing (4) is attached to a predetermined position of the interconnection substrate (1), the switch casing (4) is held in the interconnection substrate (1).