Switch Device Contact Rubber Sealing and Push Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices for controlling vehicle mirrors suffer from poor operational feel due to sliding resistance and difficulty in achieving waterproofness, particularly due to the structure of the circuit board and sliding contact type switches.
Innovation Solution
A switch device design that incorporates a push mechanism to transmit rotation and tilt operations through a cam portion and actuator, utilizing a contact rubber to cover the circuit board and provide resistance, eliminating sliding contacts and enhancing waterproofness by sealing the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sliding contact type switches are used for mirror selection and adjustment, then the switch device can be operated with a single knob, but the operational feel deteriorates due to sliding resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sliding contact type switches with a push switch mechanism that uses dome-shaped rubber contacts. Instead of sliding contacts that generate friction, the invention uses elastic deformation of rubber domes to make and break electrical connections, eliminating sliding resistance and providing superior operational feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the contact mechanism from sliding friction-based to elastic deformation-based. The rubber dome contacts deform elastically when pushed, creating electrical connections without sliding friction, thereby fundamentally changing the operational parameters from high-friction sliding to low-friction elastic contact.
2Ease of operation
If a rotation shaft extends through the shaft hole of the circuit board, then the operation knob can be integrated for both rotation and tilt operations, but waterproofness deteriorates due to the exposed shaft structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible rubber dome structure that covers and seals the circuit board surface. The rubber material forms a waterproof barrier that prevents water from penetrating through the shaft hole and reaching the circuit board, while still allowing the push switch mechanism to function through the flexible membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber dome acts as an intermediary element between the external push operation and the internal switch mechanism. It transmits the pushing force while maintaining the waterproof seal, preventing direct water contact with the circuit board components.
3Device complexity
If sliding contact switches are used on the circuit board surface, then the switch device structure can be simplified, but reliability deteriorates due to poor waterproofness
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber dome contacts serve dual functions: they provide the switching contact mechanism and simultaneously form a waterproof seal over the circuit board. This flexible film structure prevents water ingress while maintaining electrical connectivity, significantly improving waterproof reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines rubber material with electrical contact properties to create a composite switching mechanism. The rubber provides both mechanical flexibility for sealing and electrical conductivity for switching, achieving both waterproofness and functional reliability in a single integrated component.
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
The solution provides excellent operability and waterproofness by eliminating sliding resistance and ensuring the circuit board is fully sealed, allowing for smooth and reliable switching operations with a single operation knob.
Implementation Method 1
a contact rubber (70) that is interposed between the circuit board (60) and switching pushers (100A, 100B) as well as tilting pushers (200A to 200D), and includes contacts (70e) corresponding to each of the switches, and is configured to cause a switch action upon each of the contacts (70e) coming into and out of contact with the corresponding switch by a movement of the switching pusher (100A, 100B) or the tilting pusher (200A to 200D)
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device includes an operation part, a first push mechanism that, by a rotation operation of the operation part, selects and activates a first push switch part, a second push mechanism that, by a tilt operation of the operation part, activates a second push switch part, a circuit board including the first push switch part and the second push switch part mounted thereto, and a contact rubber interposed between the circuit board and the first and second push mechanisms. The contact rubber includes contacts corresponding to the first push switch part and the second push switch part and is configured such that the contacts contact with or separate from the corresponding switch parts by a movement of the first push mechanism and the second push mechanism. The contact rubber is formed so as to cover an entire upper surface of the circuit board.