Rotary Operation Switch Radial Cam Mechanism Depth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational operation type switches are bulky, expensive, and deep due to their unitized contact and operation mechanisms, which limits their miniaturization and increases their size and cost when configured as rotary selector switches.
Innovation Solution
A thin and miniature rotational operation type switch design featuring a rotationally operable operation button with an integrated switching contact mechanism and a rotary cam that switches the contact mechanism upon rotation, allowing for multiple switching positions with a single contact circuit, reducing the overall size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the contact unit and operation mechanism are completely unitized and linked together in an axial direction, then the switch can be configured as a rotary selector switch with multiple contact mechanisms, but the depth dimension of the switch increases and the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional axial linkage arrangement to a radial arrangement where the cam mechanism operates in a radial direction perpendicular to the button's rotation axis. This dimensional change allows the contact mechanisms to be positioned radially around the rotation axis rather than axially along it, significantly reducing the depth dimension while maintaining rotary selector functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is divided into functionally independent modules: a rotationally operable button, a separate cam mechanism, and a contact mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and arranged in a compact radial configuration rather than being forced into a unified axial structure, reducing overall depth while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact mechanisms are annexed to create a rotary selector switch, then the switch can provide multiple switching positions, but the price of the switch increases and the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal cam mechanism that can interact with a single contact mechanism to produce multiple switching positions. The cam's profile is designed with multiple lobes or contours that sequentially engage the contact during rotation, allowing one contact mechanism to serve multiple switching functions rather than requiring separate contacts for each position
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple switching functions are merged into a single contact mechanism through the cam's integrated profile. The cam combines multiple operational contours into one component that sequentially actuates the same contact at different rotation positions, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate contact mechanisms into a single unified system
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 achieves a compact, cost-effective rotational operation type switch that can switch contacts by rotation, providing multiple switching states with a single contact circuit, similar to a selector switch, while maintaining a small depth dimension from the operation surface.
Implementation Method 1
an operation mechanism, including a rotary cam, which operates and switches the switching contact mechanism in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operation button
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To provide a thin, miniature, and inexpensive rotational operation type switch, which is small in depth dimension from the operation surface of the switch, wherein it is possible to switch a switching contact mechanism by rotationally operating an operation button. An operation button, supported on a frame so as to be rotationally operable, and one switching contact mechanism, disposed opposite to the lower surface of the operation button, are provided, thus adopting a configuration wherein an operation mechanism, including a rotary cam, which operates and switches the switching contact mechanism in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operation button, is provided between the operation button and the switching contact mechanism.