Rocker Switch Lever Mechanism for Stable Low-Angle Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocker-type electric switches face issues with unreliable actuation, complex kinematic chains, high oscillating angles, and ergonomic discomfort, along with chaotic wire arrangements and limited space for electric elements.
Innovation Solution
A rocker-type electric switch with a lever having both pushing and pulling portions, allowing simplified kinematic actuation, reduced oscillating angles, and stable commutation, integrated with a return mechanism for ergonomic operation and orderly wire arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional commutation mechanism with rocker button is used, then the switch can control opening and closing of electric contact, but the actuation may not be reliable and may become impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The commutation mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the rocker button for user input, the lever for motion transformation, and the commutation mechanism for contact control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A lever is introduced as an intermediary element between the rocker button and the commutation mechanism. The lever transforms the rocking motion into linear motion that reliably actuates the commutation mechanism, ensuring consistent operation and preventing impediments.
2Force
If a rocker button with high oscillating angle is used, then the button can provide sufficient actuation force, but it gives a sensation which is not very pleasant for the users
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to dynamically transform the oscillating motion of the rocker button into linear motion. By optimizing the lever's geometry and pivot points, the system maintains sufficient actuation force while reducing the perceived oscillating angle, improving user comfort.
3Ease of operation
If a pair of levers is used to reduce oscillating angle, then the rocker button oscillation is reduced, but the mechanism becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of motion transformation and force transmission into a single lever component. This consolidated design achieves oscillating angle reduction without requiring a pair of levers, thereby simplifying the mechanism and reducing cost.
4Force
If the button is made long to provide leverage, then the actuation force is improved, but the depression and projection are accentuated causing ergonomic discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The lever transforms the rotational motion in one dimension (rocking) into linear motion in another dimension. This dimensional transformation allows the button to be shorter while maintaining actuation leverage, improving ergonomics.
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 reliable, stable, and ergonomic switch with simplified actuation, enabling extended pressing for regulation, orderly electric element arrangement, and reduced dimensions, enhancing user experience and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element which abuts the lever so that the rotation of the lever returns the rocker button into an initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric switch (1) including: a main body (11), in which a commutation mechanism (2) is received, a movable contact (3) and a fixed contact (67). The commutation mechanism (2) is configured to move the movable contact (3) between an open position, in which the movable contact (3) is spaced apart from the fixed contact (67), and a closed position, in which the movable contact (3) is in contact with the fixed contact (67). The electric switch (1) includes a rocker button (5) which is connected to the main body (11) so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (A1). The electric switch (1) includes a lever (4) which is connected to the main body (11) and which is rotatable about a second rotation axis (A2) which is parallel with the first rotation axis (A1), the lever (4) being rotatable by means of the rocker button (5) which abuts the lever (4) so that the rotation of the lever (4) activates the commutation mechanism (2). The lever (4) comprises a pushing portion (30) and a pulling portion (6), the pushing portion (30) being suitable for actuating the commutation mechanism (2) in such a manner that the movable contact (3) is placed in the closed position, the pulling portion (6) is suitable for actuating the commutation mechanism (2) in such a manner that the movable contact (3) is placed in the open position.