Retractable Key Button With Segmented Notch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable key devices with symmetrical tenons and notches risk damage if users force the key insert from the extended to the retracted position without pressing the button, leading to mechanical resistance and potential damage to the cooperation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A device with a button and elastic member that biases the button in rotation, featuring distinct notch and projecting element configurations to limit pivoting and prevent damage to the mechanism, ensuring the button remains in position without forcing the hard point function unless intentionally rotated beyond a certain angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If symmetrical tenons and notches are used to prevent rotation of the button, then the button remains securely in position, but the mechanism is vulnerable to damage if users force the key insert without pressing the button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation control mechanism into two independent sets of tenons and notches: a first set for limiting rotation in the first direction (forward rotation) and a second set for limiting rotation in the second direction (backward rotation). This segmentation allows each set to independently protect against forcing in its respective direction, while the elastic member ensures the button returns to its initial position after being rotated. The first tenons and notches remain engaged during normal operation, preventing forced rotation in the first direction, while the second tenons and notches provide protection against forcing in the opposite direction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the button is biased by an elastic member to maintain position, then the key insert remains securely retracted, but excessive force may damage the hard point mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing the first tenons and notches as a protective mechanism that engages before damage can occur. These tenons and notches are positioned to limit the button's rotation in the first direction to a first stop angle, preventing excessive force from damaging the hard point mechanism. The elastic member provides additional cushioning by biasing the button to its initial position, ensuring that any excessive force applied by the user is absorbed by the elastic member and the first tenons/notches mechanism rather than damaging the primary hard point mechanism.
3Reliability
If the first rear stop angle is greater than the second rear stop angle, then the position-keeping function is maintained even if the hard point is compromised, but the device allows more rotation in the second direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different rotation limitation characteristics for different directions and different sets of tenons/notches. The first tenons and notches are designed to limit rotation in the first direction to a first stop angle, while the second tenons and notches limit rotation in the second direction to a second stop angle. The elastic member provides localized biasing force to maintain the button in its initial position. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain position-keeping function in the first direction while allowing controlled rotation in the second direction for user operation.
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 device maintains the position-keeping function even if the hard point mechanism is compromised, as the first notch and projecting element prevent excessive pivoting, ensuring the key insert can still be retracted without damaging the tenons and notches.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member arranged so as to bias said button in rotation relative to said wall in a first direction of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The control (10) has an elastic body receiving a knob (4) with respect to a wall (13) in a rotational direction, where the wall includes an orifice (1) that has two notches. The knob has two projecting elements and is movable between two positions. One element cooperates with one notch to limit pivoting of the knob in two different directions at front and rear stop angles, and another element cooperates with another notch to limit the pivoting of the knob in the directions at other front and rear stop angles, in one position, where one rear stop angle is more than another rear angle.