Rockable Switch Knob with Interlocking Press Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch apparatuses for electric mirrors can result in a fluffy, unsteady operation feeling and may lead to malfunctions due to the lack of responsive motor actuation when pressing certain points, as they do not have corresponding switch elements, causing operational reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A switch apparatus with a rockable operation knob mounted on a joint member and a knob mounting section, allowing universal jointing with a switch case, and an interlocking press section that ensures proper switching even when non-corresponding lift springs are pressed, using a reduced number of switch elements and facilitating engagement with tapered walls for enhanced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a reduced number of switch elements are used relative to lift springs, then device complexity is reduced, but operational reliability deteriorates due to lack of responsive motor actuation when pressing certain points
Solution Approach 1:
The joint member is designed with multiple functions: it serves as a mounting structure for the operation knob, provides universal joint movement capability through first and second rocking pivots, and includes an interlocking press section that acts as a mechanical switch actuator. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate switch elements at each lift spring location while ensuring reliable motor actuation through the interlocking mechanism that translates diagonal pressing movements into effective switch activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking press section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lift springs and the switching system. When a lift spring is pressed (especially at diagonal positions), the interlocking press section translates this movement into actuation of the switching system, ensuring that even presses at positions without direct switch elements produce reliable motor actuation. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between reduced switch element count and maintained operational reliability.
2Device complexity
If mounting legs are directly engaged with the switch case, then device complexity is reduced, but operational stability deteriorates causing a fluffy unsteady operation feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into distinct functional components: mounting legs for structural support, a joint member for universal joint movement, and an interlocking press section for switching actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the joint member providing stable rocking pivots that eliminate the fluffy operation feeling while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint member serves as an intermediary between the mounting legs and the operation knob, providing stable rocking pivot points through its first and second rocking pivots. This intermediary structure translates the simple mounting leg engagement into stable, controlled operation knob movement, eliminating the fluffy unsteady feeling while keeping the overall mounting structure simple.
3Device complexity
If press points are provided at intervals of 90 degrees, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates limiting adjustment to only four directions
Solution Approach 1:
The operation knob is designed with universal joint capability through the joint member's first and second rocking pivots, enabling rocking movement in multiple directions (upward, downward, rightward, leftward, and diagonal). This universal joint design allows a single pressing action at any peripheral position to be translated into effective mirror adjustment in the corresponding direction, providing four-directional coverage (and diagonal adjustments) without requiring multiple sets of press points at different angular intervals.
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 provides a stable and reliable operation by ensuring all directional movements are controlled, eliminating the fluffy feeling and preventing malfunctions by ensuring responsive motor actuation, thus improving operational reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lift springs being arranged along a peripheral edge of the operation knob between the operation knob and the switch case so as to lift and support the operation knob on the side of the switch case and are selectively compressed by a rocking movement of the operation knob
Implementation Method 2
a joint member in the shape of a ring is interposed between the operation knob and the switch case, the operation knob is so mounted on the joint member as to be rockable around a first axis of rocking movement, the joint member is so mounted on a knob mounting section projecting from the switch case as to be rockable around a second axis of rocking movement meeting at right angles with the first axis
Implementation Method 3
facilitating engagement with tapered walls for enhanced operation
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of engaging projections is provided on a periphery of a knob mounting section projecting from an upper case 13. A substantially octagonal annular joint member is engaged with the engaging projections and has a pair of engaging projections provided in the direction of 90 degrees off the engaging projections so as to be relatively rockably engaged with the operation knob, whereby the operation knob is universally jointed through the joint member with the knob mounting section. The operation knob is capable of being rocked by pressing an optional position thereof in the circumferential direction, and by being pivoted on two axes meeting at right angles, properly controlled steady operation can be performed. A seal plate is placed on a concave portion of the upper case. Lift springs are projectingly formed on the seal plate at intervals of about 45 degrees in the circumferential direction. When pressing the optional position in the circumferential direction of the operation knob, any of the lift springs is compressed such that a switch element located below the lift springs is turned on or off.