Low Profile Push Switch Side-by-Side Rotor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push switches have a high profile due to the linear arrangement of components, which hinders their integration in applications requiring a lower profile.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design where the knob and rotor are arranged side by side within a body, utilizing a columnar rotor with staggered teeth and a sliding contact mechanism to convert up-and-down motion into rotary motion with fewer components, reducing the overall profile and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pushbutton, actuator cam follower and rotary contact carrier are arranged in a straight line, then the switch can be manufactured with conventional structures, but the profile height becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement (one-dimensional stacking) to a planar arrangement (two-dimensional layout) by positioning the pushbutton and rotary contact carrier side-by-side within the same horizontal plane, with the actuator cam follower connecting them laterally. This dimensional change reduces the vertical profile height while maintaining the functional sequence of operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functional components within a compact housing structure. The actuator cam follower is positioned within the housing and connects the pushbutton to the rotary contact carrier, allowing the entire mechanism to be contained within a low-profile enclosure. The stationary contact carrier and other components are also nested within the same housing space.
2Ease of operation
If three components (pushbutton, actuator cam follower, rotary contact carrier) are used to convert up-and-down motion to rotary motion, then the conversion can be achieved, but the component count and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of motion conversion and contact actuation into a more integrated mechanism. The actuator cam follower serves as the primary motion conversion element, directly translating the pushbutton's linear motion into rotary motion of the contact carrier. This reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 significantly lower profile and reduced component count, enabling cost-effective production and improved tactile response while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring urging the knob in the direction in which the knob projects through the opening
Implementation Method 2
a side surface of each of the second teeth on the one end side is a first inclined surface inclined so that the surface departs from an end face on the one end side in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor; a side surface of each of the first teeth on the other end side is a second inclined surface inclined so that the surface departs from an end face on the other end side in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor on which a moving contact is attached is received and rotatably held in a body, and a knob is received and held in the body side by side with the rotor and is movable. A plurality of first and second teeth are circumferentially staggered with each other on an outer perimeter surface of the rotor near one end and near the other end, respectively, in the direction of the axis of the rotor to project from the surface. An inclined surface is formed in each of the first and second teeth. A projecting part is formed on the knob to project toward the rotor. In response to a depression of the knob, the projecting part pushes the inclined surface of the second teeth to rotate the rotor and, in response to a return of the knob, pushes the inclined surface of the first teeth to rotate the rotor.