Switch Device with Inclined Movable Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch devices for indoor vehicle lighting have a high cost due to a large number of parts and complex assembly processes, and they suffer from reliability issues in the connection between fixed and movable contacts.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a simplified structure using bus bars as fixed contacts and movable contacts that slide on root and mountain parts, eliminating the need for springs and engaging balls, with the movable contacts being inclined to ensure reliable contact and a sense of moderation in operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If springs and engaging balls are attached to the switch lever to provide a sense of moderation, then the switching operation feels better, but the number of parts and assembly processes increases, leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring and engaging ball components from the switch lever, extracting the unnecessary parts that caused complexity. Instead, it uses a simple lever mechanism that directly actuates the movable contact to slide between fixed contacts, achieving the switching function without the complicating components while maintaining operational feel through the inherent mechanical design of the lever and contact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the switch lever, movable contact, and contact actuation into a single integrated structure. The lever itself serves as both the operating element and the carrier of the movable contact, eliminating the need for separate springs and engaging balls. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and assembly processes while maintaining the switching functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If plate surfaces of fixed contacts and movable contacts are used for connection, then the assembly is simple, but reliability in connection deteriorates due to limitations in contact stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or arc-shaped contact path where the movable contact slides along a curved trajectory between fixed contacts. This curved geometry ensures continuous and stable contact pressure throughout the switching motion, improving connection reliability. The arc-shaped design allows the movable contact to maintain optimal contact pressure with the fixed contacts, preventing poor connections while keeping the assembly relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve switching function, then the switching capability is complete, but the cost increases due to more parts and attaching processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the switch lever to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the operating element, the carrier of the movable contact, and the mechanism for actuating the switching action. The lever's movement directly drives the movable contact to slide between fixed contacts, integrating multiple functions into a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts and attaching processes while maintaining complete switching capability.
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 reduces the number of parts and assembly processes, lowers costs, and enhances the reliability of the connection between fixed and movable contacts, while providing a good switching feel without using additional components like springs or balls.
Implementation Method 1
movable contacts having a resiliency that slide in accordance with a switching operation of the switch knob
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device including arm springs as movable contacts slide in accordance with a switching operation of a switch knob. The arm springs come into resilient contact and slide on movable contact slide parts. Root parts and mountain parts are formed in the movable contact slide parts and a fixed contact is formed with end edges of bus bars. The bus bars are mounted and fixed to an upper surface of a support part. A cut out part is provided on the upper surface of the support part. The arm springs are formed in the shapes of bars having mountain forms in section fitted to the root parts, and the arm springs are extended in the vertical direction to plate surfaces of the bus bars and arranged to be inclined so that outer side surfaces abut on upper side edges of the fixed contacts.