Switch Device Line Contact Stopper Reduces Impact Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button switch devices generate a large impact sound when the operation member returns to its original position due to the contact with a regulating member, as they rely on elastic forces that cause vigorous surface contact.
Innovation Solution
The switch device incorporates a housing member with a two-pronged stopper and an operation member with a tab that make a line contact first, utilizing slopes to regulate movement and absorb impact, reducing the impact sound by alleviating force on contact points and allowing the stopper to bend and absorb the force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a regulating member is provided to stop the operation member at a predetermined position, then the operation member can be stopped at the correct position, but a large impact sound is generated when the operation member returns to the original position
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating portion and the portion to be regulated are designed with curved surfaces that make line contact first during the return movement. This curvature design allows the contact to occur along a line rather than a point, distributing the impact force and reducing the generated sound while maintaining position control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact parameters between the regulating portion and the operation member are changed by designing specific geometric features (curved surfaces with particular radii) that enable line contact. This parameter change transforms the contact mode from point contact to line contact, reducing impact sound while preserving the regulating function.
2Reliability
If a large contact area is provided between the operation member and the regulating member, then the regulating function is improved, but a larger impact sound is generated
Solution Approach 1:
Curved surfaces are designed on both the regulating portion and the portion to be regulated, creating a line contact interface. This line contact provides sufficient regulating reliability while distributing the contact area in a way that reduces impact sound compared to point contact, without sacrificing the stopping function.
3Reliability
If an urging member with elasticity is used to return the operation member to the original position, then the operation member returns reliably, but a larger impact sound is generated when the operation member returns
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surfaces on the regulating portion and the operation member create a line contact that absorbs and distributes the impact energy during the return stroke. This maintains the reliable return function provided by the elastic urging member while significantly reducing the impact sound generated at the contact point.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic urging member's restoring force, which causes the harmful impact sound, is converted into a beneficial controlled return motion. The line contact design allows this elastic force to be utilized effectively for reliable return while the curved surfaces manage the impact energy to reduce sound.
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 effectively reduces the impact sound generated when the operation member returns to its original position by making a line contact first, minimizing damage and sound through the use of flexible slopes and a bending mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic piece is integrally provided on a slider and an abutting portion is integrally provided on a casing. The elastic piece abuts on the abutting portion and bends
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device reduces an impact sound generated when the operation member returns to its original position. The switch device includes a housing member, an operation knob accommodated in the housing member and capable of being pushed, and a spring that urges the operation knob in a direction opposite to the pushing direction. The housing member includes a two-pronged stopper that regulates the movement of the operation knob in the opposite direction. The operation knob includes a tab that abuts on the two-pronged stopper. When the movement of the operation knob in the opposite direction is regulated, the two-pronged stopper and the tab make a line contact first.