Modular Switch Button Linkage for Low-Force Rest Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular electric devices with tilting actuation buttons require additional alignment springs, complicating assembly and increasing the force required to actuate the button, as the actuation button's alignment in the resting position is not optimally aligned with the rotation axis.
Innovation Solution
The modular electric device incorporates coupling elements and a pressure transmission member with stroke multiplier levers that allow the actuation button to align properly in the resting position without additional alignment springs, reducing the force needed to actuate the button by using a single elastic return device and optimizing the alignment of the actuation button's fulcrum with respect to the elastic return device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment springs are provided to ensure correct alignment of the actuation button, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the actuation force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and return function into a single piston spring. The piston spring is positioned eccentrically relative to the rotation pin, allowing it to perform both alignment (by creating a moment when misaligned) and return (by pushing the button back to the neutral position) functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate alignment springs and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring system by positioning the piston spring at an eccentric distance from the rotation pin. This eccentric positioning creates a variable moment arm that automatically provides alignment torque when the button is misaligned, while maintaining the return function. The key parameter change is the offset distance between the spring axis and rotation axis
2Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment springs are provided to ensure correct alignment of the actuation button, then the alignment precision is improved, but the actuation force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and return function into a single piston spring. The piston spring is positioned eccentrically relative to the rotation pin, allowing it to perform both alignment (by creating a moment when misaligned) and return (by pushing the button back to the neutral position) functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate alignment springs and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring system by positioning the piston spring at an eccentric distance from the rotation pin. This eccentric positioning creates a variable moment arm that automatically provides alignment torque when the button is misaligned, while maintaining the return function. The key parameter change is the offset distance between the spring axis and rotation axis
3Device complexity
If a single elastic return device is used without additional alignment springs, then the device complexity is reduced and actuation force is reduced, but the alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring system by positioning the piston spring at an eccentric distance from the rotation pin. This eccentric positioning creates a variable moment arm that automatically provides alignment torque when the button is misaligned, while maintaining the return function. The key parameter change is the offset distance between the spring axis and rotation axis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spring's functional roles by using different portions of the spring's elastic deformation capability. When the button is misaligned, the eccentric positioning causes the spring to deform in a way that creates an alignment moment. When the button is aligned, the spring maintains the return force. This segmentation of functional roles within a single component achieves both alignment and return functions
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 solution simplifies the assembly of the modular device, reduces the actuation force, and ensures optimal alignment of the actuation button, making the device easier to use and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation button comprises a control portion including a return spring, in particular a piston spring, which is adapted to return the actuation button to the first angular resting position when the pressure on the actuation button is released
Implementation Method 2
The pressure transmission member comprises two stroke multiplier levers parallel and joined together by a connection bar so as to be integral with each other
Data Source
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AI summary
It is described a modular electric device (100) for controlling and/or distributing electricity, adapted to be wall mounted, comprising: - a casing (120,140) made of an electrically insulating material; - an actuation button (110); - coupling elements (111-114,121-124) operatively interposed between the actuation button (110) and the casing (120,140), said coupling elements (111-114,121-124) being adapted and configured to couple the actuation button (110) to the casing (120,140) so that the actuation button (110) can take a first angular resting position and a second angular position different from the first angular resting position, respectively, said coupling elements (111-114,121-124 ) being also adapted to define a first rotation fulcrum (121A, 122A) for said actuation button (110); - a tilting switching member (130) accommodated in the casing (120, 140); - a first movable contact (131) arranged on the tilting switching member (130); - a first fixed contact (161). The actuation button (110) comprises a control portion (115) including an elastic return device (116) for returning the actuation button (110) to said first angular resting position, said control portion (115) being adapted and configured to contact and move the tilting switching member (130) by means of the elastic return device (116) so that, when the actuation button (110) takes the first angular resting position and the second angular position, the tilting switching member (130) takes: a first angular configuration, in which the first movable contact (131) is separated from the first fixed contact (161); and a second angular end-of-stroke configuration, in which the first movable contact (131) is in contact with the first fixed contact (161), respectively. When the actuation button (110) takes said first angular resting position, the first rotation fulcrum (121A, 122A) is misaligned with respect to the elastic return device (116) .