Shock-Absorbing Control Module for High-G Electronic Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control modules for electronic appliances, particularly in the horology field, face challenges in withstanding shocks without incurring irreversible damage to elastic blades due to design and manufacturing constraints, as conventional solutions like increased contact surface area or extra thickness in flexible films are not feasible for high-force shocks.
Innovation Solution
A control module incorporating a shock absorber, such as an elastically deformable disc, is integrated between the horological movement and the switch to absorb forces above a predetermined threshold, protecting the switch from excessive deformation and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the dimensions of the contact surface of the striker are increased to distribute forces, then the pressure on the elastic blade is reduced, but the device dimensions increase which is not feasible in microelectronic applications
Solution Approach 1:
A shock absorber element is introduced as an intermediary component between the striker and the elastic blade. This mediator absorbs excessive forces through elastic deformation when shock forces exceed a predetermined threshold, while allowing normal operation forces to pass through to actuate the switch. This resolves the contradiction by protecting the elastic blade from high pressure without requiring an increased striker contact surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber's elastic properties are designed to change its mechanical behavior based on the magnitude of applied forces. Under normal operating conditions, it transmits forces efficiently to actuate the switch. Under shock conditions exceeding a predetermined threshold, it deforms elastically to absorb excess energy, effectively changing the force transmission parameter to protect the elastic blade from damaging pressures.
2Force
If extra thickness is added to the flexible film to absorb forces during shock, then force absorption capacity increases, but the film deforms excessively under high forces (5000 g deceleration) and transmits them to the elastic blade and terminal causing plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber serves as a specialized intermediary component positioned between the striker and the switch assembly. It is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to absorb high-force shocks (up to 5000 g deceleration) through controlled elastic deformation, preventing these excessive forces from being transmitted to the elastic blade and connection terminals. This mediator approach solves the problem by providing effective force absorption without the excessive deformation issues of the flexible film.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the thickness of the flexible film throughout, the shock absorber is implemented as a localized component with specific elastic properties only where needed for shock absorption. This local quality approach allows the flexible film to maintain its original thin profile for normal operation while the shock absorber provides targeted protection against high-force shocks, preventing both excessive deformation and transmission of damaging forces to the elastic blade.
3Strength
If the elastic blade dimensions are increased to withstand shock forces, then shock resistance improves, but the switch size increases which is not acceptable in compact electronic appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is positioned as an intermediary between the striker and the elastic blade, absorbing shock forces before they reach the elastic blade. This allows the elastic blade to maintain its original compact dimensions while still providing adequate shock resistance, as the shock absorber handles the high-force events. The elastic blade only needs to withstand normal operating forces, keeping the overall switch volume small and suitable for compact electronic appliances.
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 shock absorber effectively reduces the impact on the switch and connection terminals during high-force shocks, preventing irreversible damage and ensuring reliable operation under conditions like 5000 g deceleration, as specified in the NIHS 91-30 standard.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber configured to absorb, by deforming elastically, a part of the forces involved when the striker element drives the switch into the connected state or into the idle state, at least when said forces are above a predetermined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A control module (10) of an electronic appliance including a push-piece (11) including a striker element (111), and a switch (12) adapted to occupy a connected state and an idle state. The striker element (111) is configured to drive the switch (12) into the connected state or into the idle state when the push-piece (11) is acted on. A shock absorber (116) is provided to absorb, by deforming elastically, a part of the forces involved when the striker element (111) drives the switch (12) into the connected state or into the idle state, at least when said forces are above a predetermined threshold.