Switch Device Non-Linear Air Groove Dust Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices with air vent holes are prone to ingress of foreign matter, such as dust or water droplets, which can lead to contact failures or short circuits between the movable and stationary contact plates.
Innovation Solution
A switch device design featuring a substrate with through holes, a dome-shaped contact rubber with cavities, and non-linear air grooves that communicate with the vent cavity, preventing foreign matter ingress by creating a narrow gap and nonlinear air paths to deter dust, water, and insects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air vent hole is provided in the shield plate to prevent air compression during switch operation, then the switch pressing operation is facilitated, but foreign matter such as dust or water droplets can ingress into the space between the movable contact plate and switch substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The air groove is designed with a non-linear curved path instead of a straight line, making it difficult for foreign matter to follow the path and ingress into the contact space while still allowing air to pass through during switch operation
Solution Approach 2:
The shield plate is designed with different local structures: a linear air groove for air passage and a non-linear air groove for foreign matter suppression, allowing each region to serve its specific function optimally
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is provided over the switch board to protect against foreign matter, then foreign matter ingress is prevented, but air compression occurs during switch pressing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is segmented into different functional regions: a cover for protection and non-linear air grooves for controlled air passage, allowing both protection and air venting functions to coexist
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 design effectively suppresses the ingress of foreign matter, reducing the likelihood of contact failures and short circuits, while allowing air to pass through, maintaining reliable switch operation.
Implementation Method 1
a contact rubber, being an elastic sheet covering the substrate, provided with a dome-shaped cavity configured to make a second contact portion including a second contact corresponding to the first contact elastically deformable to be capable of contacting to and separating from the first contact
Implementation Method 2
an air groove communicating with the cavity and the vent cavity portion between the substrate and the elastic sheet, wherein the air groove is a non-linear path
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes a substrate provided with at least one first contact and including at least one through hole, and a contact rubber, being an elastic sheet covering the substrate, provided with a dome-shaped cavity configured to make a second contact portion including a second contact corresponding to the first contact elastically deformable to be capable of contacting to and separating from the first contact, a vent cavity portion provided corresponding to the through hole, and an air groove communicating with the cavity and the vent cavity portion between the substrate and the elastic sheet. The air groove includes a non-linear path.