Switch Assembly Sharing Single Switch Element for Hand-Held Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch assemblies for hand-held devices face challenges in efficiently adjusting key feeling due to long tolerance strokes and high production costs, primarily because each key requires an individual switch element, leading to increased material and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly design where two keys share a single switch element, utilizing flexible connecting portions and a plunger to activate the switch element, reducing the number of required switch elements and tolerances, thereby improving key feeling and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each key corresponds to an individual switch element, then the key feeling can be adjusted individually, but the production cost increases and the number of switch elements cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple keys (first key and second key) to share a single switch element. The first connecting portion connects the first key to the holding portion, while the second connecting portion connects the second key to the holding portion, allowing both keys to generate displacement along the connecting direction that activates the same switch element. This reduces the number of switch elements while maintaining individual key functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch element serves multiple functions by being activated by either the first key or the second key. The holding portion and connecting portions are designed to allow displacement from either key to activate the switch element, making the switch element universal for multiple key operations rather than requiring dedicated switch elements for each key.
2Ease of operation
If each key corresponds to an individual switch element, then individual key analysis and adjustment can be done, but the assembling tolerance accumulates and key feeling accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple keys to share a single switch element, the patent eliminates the accumulation of assembling tolerances that would occur with multiple separate switch elements. The holding portion and connecting portions are designed as integrated structures that reduce tolerance accumulation, improving key feeling accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If each key corresponds to an individual switch element, then the switch assembly can be designed conventionally, but the production cost of the overall assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple keys into a single switch element, directly reducing the quantity of switch elements required. This reduces material costs and production costs while maintaining the ability to design and manufacture the switch assembly using conventional processes for the holding portion and connecting portions.
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 design enhances key sensitivity and feeling by reducing assembly tolerances and the number of switch elements, resulting in lower production costs and more efficient assembly processes for hand-held devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first key generates a displacement with respect to the second key along the connecting direction of the first key and the second key
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly is adapted to be disposed in a holding portion of a hand-held device. The switch assembly includes first and second keys, first and second connecting portions, a switch element and a plunger. The first and second keys are exposed on the surface of the holding portion and respectively disposed on the opposite sides thereof. The first and second connecting portions respectively connect the first and second keys and the holding portion. The first and second connecting portions are disposed for allowing the first key having a displacement toward the second key along their connecting direction. The switch element is located inside of the holding portion, and the first key has a first backside toward the second key. The second key has a second backside toward the first key. The plunger is adapted to press and activate the switch element through the displacement.