Pushbutton Switch Actuator Locking Mechanism for Reduced Operation Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch devices require excessive operation force due to resistance from insertion blocks and springs, leading to instability and increased wear, complicating assembly and maintaining central positions of operation buttons and connection seats.
Innovation Solution
A locking/unlocking structure with a main body, reaction drum, and elastic units, where first and second elastic units store and release torque to control the wire connection module's open-circuit state, reducing the need for high operation force and simplifying assembly by eliminating complex insertion block structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If insertion blocks with double slopes are used in the main body and connection seat, then the operation button can be pressed and pulled up, but the security of relative restriction and locating effect is affected, deteriorating the stability of the wire connection module in the open-circuit state
Solution Approach 1:
The connection seat is divided into two separate functional components: a reaction drum that rotates to enable operation, and a connection component that maintains stable connection. This segmentation allows the operational function to be separated from the connection function, so the operation button can be pressed and pulled through rotation while the connection component maintains stable restriction and locating effect without being affected by the operational movements.
2Ease of operation
If insertion blocks with single slope are used in the main body and connection seat, then the operation button can be pressed and rotated, but greater operation force is required to overcome the resistance between the slopes and spring reaction force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection seat is transformed from a static pressing structure into a dynamic rotating structure through the reaction drum. Instead of forcing linear pressing motion against spring resistance, the system allows rotational movement that can overcome the single-slope insertion blocks more easily. The rotation mechanism converts the pressing force problem into a rotational force problem, reducing the required operation force while maintaining the ability to press and rotate the operation button.
3Productivity
If multiple insertion blocks and cooperative springs are assembled in the narrow internal space of the main body, then the switch device can achieve circuit opening and closing, but the assembly difficulty is increased and component wear is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction drum integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the operational interface for the operation button, provides the rotational movement mechanism, and maintains the connection with the connection component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled in the narrow internal space, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the circuit opening and closing function. The integrated structure also reduces component wear by minimizing the number of interacting moving parts.
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
Facilitates operation with less strength, reduces wear, and enhances stability by simplifying the structural design and operation, allowing the switch device to maintain central positions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic unit is disposed between the reaction drum and the main body for making the reaction drum positioned in an initial assembling position
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic unit is disposed between the reaction drum and the restriction unit. When the reaction drum moves in response to the motion of the operation button, the second elastic unit will force the restriction unit to move from the position of the first stop section into the position of the second stop section
Data Source
AI summary
A locking/unlocking structure of switch device includes a main body and an operation button. The main body is formed with a first stop section and a second stop section. The main body defines a chamber, in which a reaction drum and a wire connection module are assembled. A first elastic unit is disposed between the reaction drum and the main body for making the reaction drum positioned in an initial assembling position, (where the wire connection module is in a closed-circuit state). The reaction drum is assembled with a restriction unit and a second elastic unit. When the reaction drum moves in response to the motion of the operation button, the second elastic unit will force the restriction unit to move from the first stop section to the second stop section so as to control the wire connection module into an open-circuit state.