Push Switch With Segmented Movable Member For Tactile Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push switches cannot separately design the feeling during manual operation and electric contact states, limiting the realizability of various tactile experiences due to the single movable member handling both functions.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design featuring a fixed contact part, a base member, and a movable member with a through hole, where the movable member and a contact piece are independently responsible for tactile feedback and electrical connection, allowing for separate design and optimization of both aspects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single movable member is used to provide both tactile feedback and electrical contact, then the device height is reduced, but the tactile feeling and electric contact states cannot be designed separately
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is divided into two separate components: a first movable member dedicated to providing tactile feedback through elastic deformation, and a second movable member (contact piece) dedicated to establishing electrical contact. This segmentation allows independent optimization of tactile characteristics and electrical contact properties without compromising device height, as the components work together in a coordinated manner within the same spatial envelope.
2Reliability
If the movable member is designed for optimal electrical contact, then contact reliability is improved, but the tactile feeling during manual operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first movable member is optimized for tactile feedback with appropriate elastic properties and deformation characteristics, while the second movable member (contact piece) is optimized for electrical contact with suitable conductivity and contact pressure. This functional separation enables each component to be independently tuned for its specific purpose, achieving both reliable electrical contact and satisfactory tactile operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first movable member acts as an intermediary that transmits operational force to the second movable member while providing tactile feedback to the user. This mediator structure allows the tactile characteristics to be decoupled from the electrical contact characteristics, enabling independent optimization of both functions.
3Length of stationary object
If the movable member structure is simplified for height reduction, then device compactness is improved, but component interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The second movable member (contact piece) is positioned within the structural envelope of the first movable member, with the contact piece extending through a through-hole in the first movable member. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device height while maintaining sufficient clearance between components to prevent interference during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are arranged in a layered vertical structure with the first movable member providing the primary height dimension and the second movable member extending through it in the same direction. This dimensional arrangement allows compact integration while maintaining functional independence and preventing lateral interference between components.
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
This design enables the push switch to provide various tactile experiences without being limited by electrical connection conditions, reducing height and preventing interference between components, thus enhancing user interaction and device usability.
Implementation Method 1
force is transferred to the movable member and causes change in shape (elastic inversion) of the movable member
Implementation Method 2
When the force applied to the protection sheet is removed, the metal member is changed into its original shape (the dome shape protruding upward) (elastic recover)
Data Source
AI summary
A push switch having the contact piece including a support part supported on a base member, a movable contact part, and an interconnection part interconnecting the support part and the movable contact part. The movable contact part is movable between a position contacting a first fixed contact part and a position separate from the first fixed contact part. The contact piece is configured so that, when a pressure reception member is pushed to be moved closer to a specific surface of the base member to cause change in shape of the movable member, the interconnection part is pushed by the movable member and the movable contact part is moved along operation directions. The movable contact part located at a position facing a through hole in the operation directions. The movable contact part has a size and shape to be allowed to pass through the through hole in the operation directions.