Adjustable Rotary Switch Friction via Elastic Ring and Push Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Professional computer users require a precise rotating mechanism for their touch screen displays to mimic the handwriting experience, as conventional mouse and keyboard operations differ significantly from handwriting, and existing rotary switch structures do not provide the necessary precision and adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A rotary switch structure comprising a sleeve, seat body, elastic ring, push elements, and a fixing element, where the elastic ring absorbs pushing forces from the push elements, allowing adjustable friction and precise rotation control, with the fixing element limiting the position of the push elements to ensure continuous pushing and adjustable rotating feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rotary switch structure is designed to provide precise rotating stages for display screen rotation, then the measurement precision of rotating angle is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple push elements, elastic ring, and fixing elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotating angle precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary switch structure is segmented into multiple functional components: sleeve, seat body, elastic ring, push elements, and fixing elements. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex precision rotation control to be divided into manageable parts that work together systematically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic ring serves as an intermediary element between the push elements and the rotation mechanism. It absorbs pushing forces and converts them into controlled rotational movement, mediating the interaction between the mechanical components and enabling precise rotation control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the elastic ring absorbs pushing force to provide adjustable friction, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing controlled rotation, but the force required to rotate the display screen increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation controlVSAvoidrotating force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary switch structure employs dynamic friction control through the elastic ring and push elements. The friction force is not fixed but can be adjusted based on the pushing force applied, allowing the rotation resistance to adapt dynamically to user input while maintaining controlled operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The friction parameter is made adjustable through the elastic ring's deformation characteristics. By changing the pushing force on the elastic ring, the friction coefficient between the push elements and elastic ring changes, thereby adjusting the rotation force requirement to match operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 structure provides a precise and adjustable rotating mechanism that allows for a comfortable and controlled rotation of the display screen, meeting the needs of professional users by adjusting the rotating feel and minimizing the required force, thus enhancing the user experience.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic ring absorbs the pushing force, so that a friction force between the at least one push element and the elastic ring is adjustable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a friction force between the at least one push element and the elastic ring is adjustable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10903028B2Rotary switch structure
Publication Date: 2021.01.26 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD
  • US10903028B2 patent drawing
  • US10903028B2 patent drawing
  • US10903028B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotary switch structure includes a sleeve, a seat body, an elastic ring, plural push elements and a fixing element. The seat body is accommodated within the sleeve. The elastic ring is disposed on the seat body. The plural push elements are disposed on the elastic ring, and provide a pushing force to the elastic ring. The fixing element is fixed in the sleeve and contacted with the plural push elements. The plural push elements are fixed on the elastic ring by the fixing element. The elastic ring absorbs the pushing force, so that a friction force between the at least one push element and the elastic ring is adjustable. Consequently, the rotating feel of the rotary switch structure is adjustable according to the practical requirements.