Four-Way Slider Switch Structure for Smooth Neutral Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-directional operation switch devices face limitations in smoothly returning to a neutral position due to reliance on a single self-restoring force, which can lead to increased component count and size, and lack efficient detection of switching operations.
Innovation Solution
The multi-directional operation switch device incorporates a slider with sloped side face portions and self-returning push switches, utilizing the collective self-restoring forces of multiple push switches to smoothly return to a neutral position and includes a controller to determine stuck switch states, thereby reducing component complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring is used to press the support pin in the axis direction, then the device structure is simple, but the slider cannot smoothly return to the neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring pressing mechanism is segmented into multiple spring pressing mechanisms, with each spring pressing a corresponding support pin. This segmentation allows each spring to independently provide restoring force in its specific direction, enabling the slider to smoothly return to the neutral position while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple support pins are used to press the pad from different directions, then the slider can smoothly return to neutral position, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support pins are merged into a single integrated support pin structure that receives pressing forces from multiple springs. The support pin integrates the functions of multiple individual pins while being pressed by corresponding springs from different directions, enabling smooth return to neutral position without proportionally increasing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pin is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously receives pressing forces from multiple springs in different directions and transmits these forces to the pad. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the overall number of parts needed in the system.
3Device complexity
If conventional push switches are used without self-returning mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but the switching operation detection is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The push switches are equipped with self-returning mechanisms that automatically return the switch to its original state after being pressed. This self-service feature enables automatic detection of switching operations without requiring additional reset mechanisms, improving detection efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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
This configuration enables smooth and efficient movement back to the neutral position while detecting switching operations, reducing the number of components and device size, and providing a clicking feel through the use of self-return tactile switches.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that presses the support pin in the axis direction
Implementation Method 2
movable portions that are provided in one-to-one correspondence, each movable portion self-returning and moving to an original position of the movable portion when pressing is released
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional operation switch device that can smoothly move a slider that is movable in four directions back to a neutral position is provided. The multi-directional operation switch device includes: a slider movable in the four directions; four push switches provided in the four directions to detect a movement of the slider; and four pressing members provided between the slider and the push switches. The slider includes four side face portions, each intersecting a first axis or a second axis, each axis extending in at least one of the four directions. Each side face portion includes a sloped region sloped toward a center of the slider. The push switches include movable portions, each movable portion self-returning and moving to an original position when pressing is released. Each pressing member is in contact with a corresponding one of the movable portions and a corresponding one of the side face portions.