Four-Axis Rocker Switch Layout for Compact Multi-Point Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rocker switches with rocker elements that can only be tilted around two central axes require large tilting or rotational angles and offsets, necessitating increased dimensions, which is impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A rocker switch design with four tilting axes, allowing the rocker element to be pivoted from a neutral position to an actuation position, minimizing the offset required to cover an actuation path, using contact systems with elastic elements to return the rocker element to its neutral position and stops to limit tilting, while maintaining compact dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rocker element is tilted around two central axes, then four switching points can be activated, but the tilting angle and offset become large requiring increased dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The single rocker element is divided into four separate rocker segments, each associated with one switching point. Each segment can be tilted independently around its own tilting axis, allowing compact design while maintaining four switching positions. This segmentation eliminates the need for large tilting angles required by a single multi-directional rocker.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting a single rocker around central axes in two directions, the invention introduces a fourth dimension by adding multiple independent tilting axes (first and second tilting axes) for each rocker segment. This allows each segment to tilt independently with minimal offset, reducing the overall dimensions required.
2Ease of operation
If the lever arm is increased to reduce offset, then the actuation path is covered with smaller angle, but the dimensions become unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rocker into four independent segments, each with its own tilting axis, the effective lever arm for each switching point is optimized independently. This allows minimal offset design without requiring increased overall dimensions, as each segment operates within a compact range.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker segments are designed with dynamic tilting capability around separate axes rather than fixed central axes. This dynamic configuration allows each segment to achieve actuation with minimal offset, eliminating the need for increased lever arm length that would otherwise be required to reduce the tilting angle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rocker element is tilted around two central axes, then four actuation surfaces are distributed evenly, but the offset required to cover actuation path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four actuation surfaces are distributed across four separate rocker segments rather than one rocker element. Each segment tilts around its own axis, allowing even distribution of actuation surfaces while minimizing the offset required for each individual actuation, as each segment moves independently with smaller displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-axis tilting system to a multi-axis system by providing first and second tilting axes for each rocker segment. This dimensional expansion allows each actuation surface to be positioned and actuated with minimal offset while maintaining even distribution around the rocker assembly.
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 reduces the necessary rotation and offset of the rocker element, minimizing space requirements and improving haptic feedback, allowing for simultaneous actuation of multiple surfaces without additional springs or actuators.
Implementation Method 1
contact systems with elastic elements to return the rocker element to its neutral position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric rocker switch (1) having a base plate (30) and a rocker element (10) which is designed as a rocker and is supported on the rocker plate (30) and can be tilted with respect to the base plate, wherein the rocker element (10) defines, on a side facing away from the base plate (30), four actuation surfaces (11, 12, 13, 14), of which a first actuation surface (11) and a second actuation surface (12) are arranged spaced apart from one another along a first centre axis (M1) and a third actuation surface (13) and a fourth actuation surface (14) are spaced apart from one another along a second centre axis (M2) which intersects the first centre axis (M1), wherein the rocker element (10) can be pivoted by a force (F1) acting on a respective actuation surface (11, 12, 13, 14) from a neutral position about a respective tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4) into in each case an actuation position, and wherein the respective tilt axis (K1, K2) of the first actuation surface (11) and of the second actuation surface (12) lies opposite the respective actuation surface (11, 12) with respect to the second centre axis (M2) and the respective tilt axis (K3, K4) of the third actuation surface (13) and of the fourth actuation surface (14) lies opposite the respective actuation surface (13, 14) with respect to the first centre axis (M1).