Self-Locking Switch with Concealed Engagement Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switches in electronic equipment and vehicles lack security as screws used for assembly can be easily removed from the outside, compromising the alignment and integrity of the switch components, and alternative solutions like metal pins are difficult to implement in mass production and do not provide adequate concealment.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking switch design featuring a button sub-assembly and housing sub-assembly that engage through latching mechanisms, with the engagement points inaccessible from the outside, utilizing a tab and bracket system that requires physical breaking to open, and incorporating an elastomeric mat with electroconductive material for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to assemble switch components, then the alignment and integrity of switch components are maintained, but the screws are accessible from outside and can be easily removed to open the switch, compromising security
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into multiple sub-assemblies (button sub-assembly and housing sub-assembly) that are joined through engagement points. The bracket is segmented with engagement protrusions that interface with corresponding engagement points on the housing, creating a modular structure that maintains alignment while securing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the button and housing sub-assemblies. It provides engagement protrusions that connect to engagement points on the housing, serving as a mediator that maintains structural integrity while preventing direct access to fastening mechanisms from the outside.
2Strength
If metal pins are inserted through multiple layers of the switch to join components, then the components are connected, but insertion is difficult in mass-production assembly and the pins are not concealed from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into discrete engagement points on the housing and corresponding engagement protrusions on the bracket. This segmentation allows for easier assembly compared to inserting pins through multiple layers, as the bracket can be attached to the housing at these predefined engagement points without requiring complex multi-layer alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusions on the bracket are designed to match and engage with the engagement points on the housing, creating a complementary interface that simplifies assembly. This copying of geometric features enables straightforward connection without the need for difficult pin insertion through multiple layers.
3Strength
If metal pins are used to join switch components, then the components are connected, but there is no way to conceal the metal pins from the outside, resulting in easy security breach
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket serves as an intermediary that conceals the connection mechanism. The engagement protrusions on the bracket interface with engagement points on the housing in a way that hides the fastening mechanism from external view, preventing security breaches while maintaining component connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into engagement points and engagement protrusions that are integrated into the structure of the housing and bracket. This segmentation allows the connection mechanism to be embedded within the switch assembly rather than being exposed as external metal pins, thereby concealing it from outside access.
4Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism with inaccessible engagement points is used, then security and integrity are enhanced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism is segmented into discrete engagement points on the housing and corresponding engagement protrusions on the bracket. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex self-locking function into manageable geometric features that are easier to manufacture and assemble compared to a monolithic self-locking mechanism.
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 self-locking mechanism provides enhanced security and integrity by ensuring that the switch cannot be opened from the outside without deforming or breaking components, maintaining alignment and security during storage, transportation, and installation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric mat having a flat portion and at least one chimney structure... the electroconductive material in the chimney structure moves downward and into contact with a trace on the printed circuit board when the button is depressed
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking switch including a button sub-assembly and a housing sub-assembly. The button sub-assembly includes at least one button with a tab extending from a lower surface at a first end and at least one shaft engagement point on the lower surface at a second end, and a bracket comprising a first end and a second end with a rotation shaft at the second end. The bracket is rotatably connected to the button. The housing sub-assembly includes a switch housing having engagement points, and a switching mechanism in the housing. The button sub-assembly and the housing sub-assembly are joined together by engaging the tab of the button and the first and second ends of the bracket to corresponding engagement points on the switch housing and the engagement points are not accessible from outside the self-locking switch after the button sub-assembly and the housing sub-assembly are assembled together.