Slide Switch Apparatus Overlapping Thickness for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide switches mounted on camera lens units cannot be miniaturized due to the required thickness for the switch and slide knob, limiting the miniaturization of the lens unit.
Innovation Solution
A slide switch apparatus with a switch placement that overlaps in the thickness direction, a concave portion for the switch, and a self-reset type switching element, allowing for miniaturization by reducing the thickness and width dimensions, and enhancing the assembling process with specific configurations such as rib and concave portions and a flexible substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slide switch is placed below the slide knob, then the switching operation can be performed, but the lens unit cannot be miniaturized due to the required thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is positioned to overlap with the slide member in the thickness direction, changing the spatial arrangement from a sequential below-positioning to an overlapping configuration. This dimensional reorganization allows the switch and slide member to share the same thickness space, reducing the overall lens unit size while maintaining switching functionality
2Volume of moving object
If the switch and slide member are placed to overlap in the thickness direction, then the lens unit can be miniaturized, but the switch placement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switch and slide member are merged in the thickness direction, with the switch positioned to overlap the slide member. This merging allows both components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing overall size while the switch engagement portion integrates directly with the slide member structure
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is nested within the thickness space of the slide member, with the switch engagement portion fitting into the slide member's structure. This nesting arrangement allows the switch to be housed within the existing slide member volume, minimizing additional space requirements
3Ease of operation
If a conventional slide switch structure is used, then the switching function is achieved, but friction and dust generation occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical sliding contact is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The switch engagement portion uses magnetic attraction to actuate the switch lever, eliminating direct mechanical friction and dust-generating contact while maintaining reliable switching function
Data Source
AI summary
In a slide switch apparatus of the present invention, a click spring movable along a side surface portion of a housing includes an engagement portion that is engaged with a switch lever and can be switched in accordance with the movement along the side surface portion of the housing, a protrusion that generates a click feeling when moving along the side surface portion of the housing, a positioning rib, and a plate spring portion in which the engagement portion, the protrusion, and the positioning rib are placed and which can be deformed elastically. The positioning rib is placed between the engagement portion and the protrusion in the movement direction of the click spring. Because of this, a slide switch apparatus whose housing can be miniaturized is obtained.