Switch Driver Linear Reciprocating Motion Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pushbutton switches face issues with delayed switching due to driver rotation, friction, and high manufacturing precision requirements, leading to instability and increased costs, as well as inefficient force conversion and reliability problems.

Innovation Solution

A switch design featuring a driver that swings relative to a pushbutton with an elastic element, allowing the driver to reset without rotating, and a non-planar driving face that maintains consistent force application, reducing the number of components and improving force conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the driver rotates to return to intermediate position after pushbutton release, then the driver can reset for next operation, but this causes delay in switching response and generates friction on contact face

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching response speedVSAvoiddriver operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotation function from the driver's reset mechanism. Instead of rotating to return to intermediate position, the driver now only performs linear reciprocating motion along the pressing direction. The rotation function is completely removed, eliminating the associated friction and response delay while maintaining the reset capability through simple linear motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the rotational mechanical system with a linear reciprocating mechanical system. The driver moves back and forth in a straight line along the pressing direction rather than rotating, substituting a complex rotational mechanism with a simpler linear motion that achieves the same reset function without the harmful effects of rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If many components are used in the switch structure, then the switching function can be achieved, but this increases manufacturing precision requirements and manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching function completenessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple components into fewer integrated parts. The driver is designed as a single component that integrates the pressing force transmission function and the reset function. The elastic element serves dual purposes of providing restoring force and enabling the reciprocating motion. This merging reduces the total component count while maintaining complete switching functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality in the driver component, which simultaneously performs force transmission, reset positioning, and switching actuation. The elastic element also serves multiple functions including restoring force provision and motion enablement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a particular mechanism is used to convert press force direction, then the pushbutton operation can be transformed into driving force, but this conversion has poor efficiency and requires greater press force from user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce conversion capabilityVSAvoidforce conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional force conversion approach. Instead of using a mechanism to transform the press force direction, the driver is designed to move reciprocally along the same pressing direction. The press force directly drives the linear reciprocating motion without directional transformation, eliminating energy loss from mechanical conversion and reducing the required press force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the force conversion mechanism with a direct linear force transmission system. The press force is transmitted directly to the driver along its reciprocating path without intermediate mechanical conversion, substituting an inefficient directional transformation mechanism with an efficient direct transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances switching speed, reliability, and reduces manufacturing complexity, allowing for more precise and efficient operation with less user force required, while maintaining consistent performance over time.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element connected between the driver and the swing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastic element drives the driving face of the driver to swing from one side of the first axis to the other side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP3300093B1switch
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
  • EP3300093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3300093B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3300093B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a switch, comprising: a pushbutton (1); a driver (2) which can swing relative to the pushbutton (1) to cooperate with the pushbutton (1); a swing element (3) which can swing with respect to a first axis and has a first contact face (32) and a second contact face (33); an elastic element (4) connected between the driver (2) and the swing element (3); and a first moving contact (81) and a first stationary contact (51). The driver (2) is configured to drive the swing element (3) to swing when the pushbutton (1) is pressed so that the moving contact contacts or is disconnected from the stationary contact. The switch has a smaller number of components and a simple and reliable structure, and the pressing stroke of the pushbutton of the switch is shortened, facilitating the user's operation.