Switch Component Dispersion for Miniaturization and Welding Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches with reset functions are limited in miniaturization due to the parallel arrangement of power supply switch mechanisms, which increases the width and length of the switch, and are prone to welding issues at high current contacts, affecting their lifespan and operation feel.
Innovation Solution
The switch components are arranged in a dispersed configuration within the housing, with the power supply holding release mechanism and switch mechanisms separated along the oscillation direction of the operating element, allowing for a compact design and enhanced contact wiping performance to prevent welding, using a return spring and elastic bodies to manage the movable piece's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply switch mechanisms are arranged in parallel in the housing, then the switch can perform power supply ON/OFF function, but the width and length of the switch increase, limiting miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel arrangement (2D planar layout) to a stacked arrangement (3D vertical layout) of the power supply switch mechanisms. The first and second power supply switch mechanisms are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, with their movable pieces positioned at different heights. This dimensional change allows the switch to maintain its power supply switching function while significantly reducing the housing width and length, achieving miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first power supply switch mechanism is positioned above the second power supply switch mechanism in the vertical direction. The movable piece of the first switch mechanism is arranged above the movable piece of the second switch mechanism, creating a vertically nested structure. This nesting approach allows both switch mechanisms to coexist within a compact housing volume, reducing the overall planar footprint while maintaining functional independence of each switch mechanism.
2Reliability
If bias force of spring is enhanced to reliably space apart contacts, then welding is prevented, but operation feeling degrades and abrasion increases shortening lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single spring system into two separate return springs: a first return spring associated with the first power supply switch mechanism and a second return spring associated with the second power supply switch mechanism. Each return spring independently provides bias force to its corresponding movable piece, ensuring reliable contact spacing without requiring excessive force from a single spring. This segmentation reduces the bias force requirement for each individual spring, thereby reducing abrasion on the switch mechanisms and extending overall switch lifespan while maintaining reliable contact separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spring force parameter by distributing the bias force requirement across two separate return springs instead of using one high-force spring. Each return spring operates at a lower force level, which reduces the mechanical stress and abrasion on the switch components during operation. This parameter change maintains the essential function of contact spacing while improving the durability and lifespan of the switch mechanisms.
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 a slim, miniaturized switch with improved contact reliability and extended lifespan by reducing the planar arrangement space and using a wiping operation to prevent welding, allowing for efficient operation in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring for biasing the operating element in an oscillation operating direction when the operating element is oscillation operated to the other side
Implementation Method 2
a holding portion for holding a contact state of the contacts of the movable piece and the fixed terminal by regulating the return spring in an anti-biasing direction
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a switch in which the switch components are separately arranged at the portion where the switch components tend to be arranged in a concentrated manner in the housing without being collectively arranged in one region in the housing to achieve miniaturization and slimming, and in which the welding avoiding performance at the contact is enhanced to extend the lifespan, and an electronic device. A switch includes an operating element which is supported in a housing and which is oscillation operated to one side and the other side, a power supply switch mechanism 180 for bringing contacts of a movable piece and a fixed terminal facing each other in the housing into contact with each other to turn ON a power supply in cooperation with the ON operation when the operating element is oscillated to one side and ON operated, and a power supply reset mechanism for holding and releasing the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism, wherein the power supply reset mechanism is arranged on one side in an oscillation operating direction of the operating element, and the power supply switch mechanism is arranged on the other side in the oscillation operating direction of the operating element.