Keytop Mounting Structure With Slit Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating member mounting structures are prone to disengagement due to inadequate retention mechanisms, leading to slippage and reduced operability.
Innovation Solution
The structure features a flange and keytop larger than the mounting hole, coupled by a shaft with a slit that allows the flange to be elastically deformed and seated beneath the mounting plate, providing secure retention and comfortable operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the holding portion is merely inserted into the bottom surface of the operating member, then the assembly process is simple, but the operating member may be disengaged from the holding portion
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is segmented by providing a slit that divides it into multiple elastic deformation regions. This segmentation allows each region to independently deform and engage with the mounting plate, achieving both simple assembly (the flange can be inserted as one piece) and reliable retention (multiple engagement points prevent disengagement).
Solution Approach 2:
The flange transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure through the slit. The elastic deformation capability allows the flange to adapt during assembly and operation, enabling reliable engagement while maintaining assembly simplicity. The dynamic elastic response ensures the operating member remains securely retained.
2Ease of operation
If the flange is made smaller than the mounting hole to facilitate assembly, then the assembly process is easier, but the operating member can slip off under upward forces
Solution Approach 1:
The flange diameter parameter is changed to be larger than the mounting hole diameter, while the slit parameter is introduced to enable elastic deformation. This parameter combination allows the flange to be inserted through elastic deformation during assembly and then expand to provide strong retention, solving both assembly ease and retention strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as a flexible shell that can elastically deform during assembly to pass through the mounting hole, then returns to its original larger diameter to provide strong retention. The elastic flexibility enables the flange to transition between insertion mode and retention mode, achieving both easy assembly and strong retention.
3Ease of operation
If the keytop is made larger than the mounting hole to improve operability, then the operability is more comfortable, but the exposed area of the mounting hole is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The keytop is segmented from the flange through the shaft connection, with the keytop being larger than the mounting hole for comfortable operability. The segmentation allows the keytop size to be optimized for user interaction while the flange with slit provides the mounting function, resolving the conflict between operability comfort and exposed area.
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 solution ensures the operating member is securely mounted, preventing slippage even under upward forces and enhancing user interaction with reduced exposed area, while allowing for easy assembly and operation of connected devices.
Implementation Method 1
the flange is elastically deformed and rotated, and the peripheral edge of the flange sequentially passes over the inner edge
Data Source
AI summary
An operating member mounting structure includes a mounting plate having an inner edge defining a mounting hole, and an operating member includes a keytop and a flange which are coupled to each other by a shaft, and the flange is formed with a slit. The diameter of the flange is larger than that of the mounting hole. When the operating member is rotated and pressed down in a state that the slit receives the inner edge of the mounting hole, the flange passes over the inner edge of the mounting hole to be fully brought beneath the mounting plate. An operating shaft of an operated device is inserted into an insertion hole opened on the surface of the flange. By operating the keytop exposed from the top surface of the mounting plate, the operated device can be operated through the operating shaft.