Rocker Switch Fulcrum Placement for Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocker switches face issues with setting the operating load at a design value without degrading appearance, increasing size, or being influenced by excess reaction force, as seen in previous designs where the fulcrum placement and operation input parts lead to protrusion and increased size, and reaction forces complicate load setting.
Innovation Solution
A rocker switch design featuring a knob that rocks with a fulcrum part on one side acting as the rocking axis, operation input parts on the outer side, and urging parts to maintain the knob's position, preventing protrusion and reaction forces, allowing easy setting of the operating load without size increase or appearance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If pins are provided on either one of a knob and a case at positions corresponding to opposite end parts of the knob, elongated holes are provided at positions corresponding to the pins, and the knob is engaged with the case via the elongated holes, then the appearance is improved, but the operating load cannot be easily set at a design value due to reaction force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fulcrum function into two separate fulcrum parts located at different positions on the knob. When one end part is pushed, the knob rocks with the fulcrum part on the opposite side as the axis, segmenting the rocking mechanism to prevent the operating end from protruding while maintaining appearance and enabling precise operating load control
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the fulcrum at the end parts of the knob as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the fulcrum placement to the inner side of the operation input parts. This inversion allows the operating end to move without excessive protrusion while eliminating reaction force interference with the switch, enabling precise operating load setting
2Shape
If fulcrum parts are provided on portions protruding from opposite end parts of a knob, these fulcrum parts are abutted against a reverse face of a panel member, then the appearance is improved, but the rocker switch increases in size due to required clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the fulcrum parts within the knob structure itself, specifically on the inner side of the operation input parts, rather than placing them on protruding portions that require external clearance. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional clearance between fulcrum parts and peripheral members, preventing size increase while maintaining appearance
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 effectively maintains the rocker switch's appearance and prevents size increase while allowing easy setting of the operating load without excess reaction force influence, ensuring efficient operation and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
urging means that urges the opposite end parts of the knob in opposite pushing operation directions
Data Source
AI summary
A rocker switch includes: a knob that rocks when an operational input is made; a case that supports the knob; a pair of switches that are provided on opposite end part sides respectively with respect to a middle part of the knob within the case; a rubber contact (an urging part) that urges opposite end parts of the knob toward a non-operated position; a pair of operation input parts that turn the respective switches ON/OFF; and a pair of fulcrum parts that are provided on the middle part side of the knob with respect to the pair of operation input parts respectively. In the pair of fulcrum parts, the fulcrum part on a side opposite to the operation input part, of the pair of operation input parts, that has turned the switch ON/OFF by an operational input being made serves as a rocking axis of the knob.