Rotary Toggle Button Assembly for HMI Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toggle buttons for human-machine interfaces (HMIs) face challenges such as high cost, unreliable activation, undesirable haptic feedback, susceptibility to buzz, squeak, and rattle noises during vehicle vibrations, and larger packaging footprints, particularly in the toggling direction.
Innovation Solution
A toggle button assembly featuring a circuit board with a toggle body that rotates to actuate first and second switches, providing reliable activation and reduced noise, while utilizing a single circuit board to minimize cost and space, with a compact design that reduces vibrations-induced noise and enhances haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional toggle button design is used, then the structure is simple, but the packaging footprint is large particularly in the toggling direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the toggle button mechanism from a vertical toggling motion to a horizontal rotation motion. The toggle body rotates about a rotation axis that extends transverse to the circuit board, allowing the actuation motion to occur in the plane of the circuit board rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional change reduces the footprint in the toggling direction (H-direction) while maintaining functional simplicity.
2Reliability
If a conventional toggle button design is used, then the structure is straightforward, but unreliable activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam surface as an intermediary element between the toggle body and the actuator. The cam surface converts the rotational motion of the toggle body into controlled linear motion of the actuator, ensuring reliable switch activation. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and ensures consistent actuator engagement with the switch, improving activation reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional toggle button design is used, then the haptic feedback is basic, but undesirable haptic feeling is experienced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cam surface with a curved profile that provides progressive resistance during the toggling motion. The curved geometry of the cam surface creates a controlled mechanical advantage curve, giving the user a satisfying haptic progression from initial engagement through the actuation point to the final position, enhancing the overall haptic feedback quality.
4Ease of manufacture
If a conventional toggle button design is used, then the cost structure is high, but cost reduction is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The toggle body serves both as the user interface element and as the actuating mechanism through its cam surface. The actuator serves both as a mechanical linkage and as a structural support element. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable activation through the integrated cam-actuator mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A toggle button assembly for a human-machine interface (HMI). The toggle button assembly includes a circuit board. A first switch and a second switch are mounted to the circuit board. A toggle body is rotatable about a toggle body rotation axis. A first switch actuator is between the toggle body and the first switch, and a second switch actuator is between the toggle body and the second switch. Upon actuation of the toggle body from a center position to a first position, the toggle body rotates about the toggle body rotation axis and presses the first switch actuator against the first switch to actuate the first switch. Upon actuation of the toggle body from the center position to a second position, the toggle body rotates about the toggle body rotation axis and presses the second switch actuator against the second switch to actuate the second switch.