Push Switch With Segmented Movable Member for Short Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push switches with dome-shaped movable contacts require a long stroke length for operation, leading to increased space requirements and potential for rapid shape change under load, which can result in a long stroke length and potential instability.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design featuring an elastically deformable movable member with a flat, rectangular shape that accommodates a short stroke length by separating contacts through elastic deformation without buckling, utilizing a configuration with recesses and a depression to maintain contact and separate electrical connections in a controlled manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dome-shaped movable contact is used for buckling deformation, then the switch can achieve normally-closed and normally-open states, but the stroke length becomes prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is divided into multiple independent contact sections (first movable contact, second movable contact, third movable contact) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows different contact configurations to achieve normally-closed and normally-open states without requiring a long buckling stroke of a single dome-shaped element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the conventional dome-shaped buckling deformation in one dimension to a planar elastic deformation structure with multiple contacts arranged in specific patterns. This dimensional change allows for shorter stroke length while maintaining the ability to achieve different switch states through selective contact separation.
2Volume of moving object
If a dome-shaped movable member is used, then the switch can be compact, but the stroke length increases and stability under load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the movable member have different functional qualities - some areas are designed for elastic deformation while others maintain rigid contact points. The movable joint specifically incorporates a pressure receiving section that localizes the applied force, preventing rapid shape change and enhancing stability under load while keeping the overall structure compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is designed with controlled dynamic characteristics - it can deform elastically under applied pressure but returns to its original position when the pressure is released. This dynamic behavior ensures stability under load while maintaining compact dimensions, avoiding the rapid shape change associated with dome-shaped buckling structures.
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 shorter stroke length compared to conventional switches, reducing space requirements and maintaining stability under load, while preventing rapid shape change and potential instability.
Implementation Method 1
the movable member is elastically deformed to separate the movable joint from the contact member, and when the pressure receiving section is further pressed toward the bottom surface of the depression, the movable member is elastically deformed to separate the first movable contact from the first fixture contact and to separate the second movable contact from the second fixture contact
Data Source
AI summary
A member has a first recess, a second recess, and a depression. The depression accommodates a movable member and a contact member. Positioned on a bottom surface of the first recess is a first fixture contact, whereas positioned on a bottom surface of the second recess is a second fixture contact. When a pressure receiving section of the movable member is pressed toward a bottom surface of the depression, the movable member is elastically deformed to separate a movable joint from the contact member. When the pressure receiving section is further pressed toward the bottom surface of the depression, the movable member is elastically deformed to separate the first movable contact from the first fixture contact and to separate the second movable contact from the second fixture contact.