Switch Component Layout 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 leads to increased width and length, and are prone to welding at contacts, reducing their lifespan.
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, allowing for a compact design and reduced contact welding through a wiping operation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply switch mechanisms are arranged in parallel in the housing, then the switch can turn ON/OFF the power supply reliably, but the width and length of the switch increase, limiting miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel arrangement (2D plane) to a series arrangement along the oscillation direction (1D line), effectively changing the spatial dimension of component layout. This allows the power supply switch mechanisms and holding release mechanism to be stacked along the oscillation path rather than placed side-by-side, reducing the housing width and length while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the housing into distinct regions along the oscillation direction: one side for the power supply switch mechanisms and the other side for the holding release mechanism. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimally positioned and sized, preventing overcrowding and enabling compact overall dimensions while preserving individual mechanism functionality
2Reliability
If the bias force of the spring is enhanced to reliably space apart the contacts, then contact welding is prevented, but the operation feeling degrades and abrasion increases, shortening lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contact welding prevention function from the spring bias force and assigns it to a dedicated welding prevention mechanism. This mechanism uses a separate force application method that does not rely on high spring bias, thereby preventing contact welding while maintaining gentle operating forces that preserve switch lifespan and operation feeling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary welding prevention mechanism that acts between the contacts to prevent welding. This intermediary structure provides the necessary separation force during contact separation without requiring the entire spring system to exert high bias force, thus protecting contacts from welding while minimizing mechanical stress and abrasion on moving parts
3Reliability
If a long movable piece is arranged inside the housing to turn ON/OFF the power supply, then the switch can be operated reliably, but the arrangement space in the longitudinal direction increases, limiting miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the movable piece within the housing structure, utilizing the oscillation space efficiently. The movable piece is positioned to oscillate within the available longitudinal space rather than extending beyond it, with its motion path optimized to achieve full switching functionality within a compact length. The holding release mechanism is nested at one end, maximizing space utilization
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 achieves miniaturization and extends the lifespan of the switch by preventing contact welding, enabling a slim and reliable switch for various 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
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
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 clement (120) which is supported in a housing (110) and which is oscillation operated to one side and the other side, a power supply switch mechanism (180) for bringing contacts (186, 187) of a movable piece (182) and a fixed terminal (183) 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 (120) is oscillated to one side and ON operated, and a power supply reset mechanism (170) for holding and releasing the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism (180), wherein the power supply reset mechanism (170) is arranged on one side in an oscillation operating direction of the operating element (120), and the power supply switch mechanism (180) is arranged on the other side in the oscillation operating direction of the operating element (120).