Push Switch Pressing Mechanism for Thin Tactile Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key switch devices face challenges in reducing thickness while maintaining a good tactile sensation due to the thickness of the rubber dome.
Innovation Solution
A pressing mechanism for a push switch that includes a leaf spring member with a dome portion and an opening portion, generating a tactile sensation through an inverting operation, and a stem with a protruding portion that presses the membrane switch through the opening, allowing for both tactile feedback and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rubber dome is used to provide tactile sensation, then the tactile sensation is good, but the thickness of the key switch device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to metal leaf spring, and changes the structural parameter from dome-shaped to flat with inverted dome structure. This allows the tactile sensation function to be maintained through the elastic deformation of the leaf spring while reducing the thickness by eliminating the need for a thick rubber dome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the dome structure by forming a recessed dome shape in the leaf spring instead of using a protruding rubber dome. The dome portion is pressed from the opposite direction, causing it to invert and provide tactile sensation while maintaining a compact thickness profile.
2Ease of operation
If a rubber dome is used to provide tactile sensation, then the tactile sensation is good, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tactile sensation function and the contact switching function into a single integrated leaf spring structure. The leaf spring simultaneously provides tactile feedback through its elastic deformation and acts as the contact member that opens and closes the circuit, eliminating the need for separate rubber dome and contact components.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring member serves multiple functions: it provides tactile sensation through elastic deformation, acts as a contact member for circuit switching, and serves as a mechanical element for actuating the switch. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies 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 solution provides a push switch with both a good tactile sensation and reduced thickness by utilizing a leaf spring and stem design that inverts to press the membrane switch, achieving a conductive state and allowing for a sufficient over-stroke.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring member that includes a dome portion bulging in a dome shape and an opening portion provided in a central portion of the dome portion, the leaf spring member generating a tactile sensation on the operation member by an inverting operation of the dome portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pressing mechanism of a push switch including an operation member configured to be pressed, and a leaf spring member that includes a dome portion bulging in a dome shape and an opening portion provided in a central portion of the dome portion, the leaf spring member generating a tactile sensation on the operation member by an inverting operation of the dome portion in response to being pressed by the operation member, wherein the operation member includes a first pressing portion configured to press a movable contact point member against a fixed contact point member through the opening portion and a second pressing portion configured to press the dome portion.