Push Switch With Segmented Button For Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push switches are vulnerable to damage from hard impacts, such as being hit by a nail, and can be damaged by excessive pressing force, and they do not function correctly when pushed from directions other than the intended up/down direction.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design featuring a soft internal button covered by a hard external button, with overhanging portions and an inner collar in the casing that absorb excessive force and allow operation from any direction, protecting the internal button and switch from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the push button is made from a soft material to provide flexibility and sealing, then the push button can be made watertight and flexible, but the push button becomes vulnerable to cracking or breaking when hit by hard objects
Solution Approach 1:
The push button is divided into two separate components: a soft internal button (40) made of elastomer that provides flexibility and sealing, and a hard external button (10) made of rigid material that provides impact resistance. The external button covers and protects the internal button, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The push button assembly uses composite construction by combining two different materials with complementary properties: an elastomeric material for the internal button providing softness and sealing capability, and a hard rigid material for the external button providing impact resistance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
2Reliability
If the whole pressing force of an operator acts on the switch to ensure proper operation, then the switch can be operated reliably, but the switch may be damaged if an excessive pressing force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The soft internal button (40) acts as an intermediary between the operator's pressing force and the switch (30). It distributes the pressing force evenly across the switch operation portion (31) and provides cushioning that prevents excessive force from damaging the switch, while still ensuring reliable operation under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft elastomer material of the internal button provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing pressing forces before they reach the switch. This cushioning effect protects the switch from damage due to excessive force while maintaining reliable operation under normal pressing conditions.
3Device complexity
If the push button is designed to be pushed only from the up/down direction to simplify the structure, then the structure can be simplified, but the push button cannot be operated correctly when pushed from other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The soft internal button (40) is designed to be elastically deformable in multiple directions, allowing it to dynamically adapt to pressing forces from any direction. When pressed from oblique or lateral directions, the internal button deforms elastically to transmit the force to the switch operation portion, enabling operation from multiple directions without complex mechanical guidance structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material properties of the internal button allow it to change its deformation characteristics based on the direction and magnitude of the applied force. This parameter change capability enables the button to accommodate pressing from various directions while maintaining effective force transmission to the switch.
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 effectively protects the internal button and switch from damage by distributing and absorbing excessive force, ensuring reliable operation even under oblique or lateral pushing, and preventing damage from hard impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The overhanging portion 17 abuts against the outer collar portion 47 when the external button 10 is pushed to elastically deform the internal button 40 to thereby turn on the switch 30
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A push switch (1) includes an internal button (40), an external button (10), a switch (30) disposed inside the internal button (40), a casing (50) fixed to a side wall (43) of the internal button (40), an inner collar portion (51) provided in the casing (50) and engaged with a groove portion (46) of the internal button (40), an overhanging portion (17) formed in the external button (10), and an outer collar portion (47) formed in the internal button (40) and located between the overhanging portion (17) and the inner collar portion (51) so as to define a part of the groove portion (46). The overhanging portion (17) is disposed separately from the outer collar portion (47) by a gap. The overhanging portion (17) abuts against the outer collar portion (47) when the external button (10) is pushed to elastically deform the internal button (40) to thereby turn on the switch (30).