Switch Fall-Off Structure With Brittle Breakable Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall-off structures for switches require replacement of large components like circuit boards after an impact, leading to increased repair costs due to the need for replacing entire units despite only a portion being damaged.
Innovation Solution
A fall-off structure for switches that includes a dedicated, brittle breakable component which breaks upon impact, allowing the switch assembly to detach, with an accommodation portion for easy replacement and orientation guidance to ensure accurate coupling, reducing the size of the repair unit and simplifying the replacement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circuit board is used as the impact absorber, then the switch assembly can fall off when receiving an impact, but the circuit board must be replaced entirely even when only a portion is broken, increasing repair costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the impact absorber function from the circuit board by introducing a separate breakable component. This component is specifically designed to break under impact while the circuit board remains intact and reusable. The breakable component is positioned between the switch assembly and the mounting structure, allowing it to absorb impact forces independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorption function is extracted from the circuit board and implemented as a dedicated breakable component. This extraction allows the circuit board to maintain its primary function while the separate component handles impact absorption, enabling selective replacement of only the broken breakable component rather than the entire circuit board.
2Ease of repair
If a dedicated breakable component is introduced, then only the breakable component needs to be replaced after impact, reducing repair costs, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable component is integrated with the mounting structure through the accommodation portion, which provides guidance and positioning features. The guide surfaces on the breakable component align with corresponding features in the accommodation portion, ensuring proper orientation and simplifying the assembly process despite the additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable component serves multiple functions: it acts as an impact absorber, provides a mechanical connection between the switch assembly and mounting structure, and includes guide surfaces for proper alignment. The accommodation portion in the mounting structure provides both structural support and guidance features, reducing the need for separate alignment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the breakable component is made brittle, then it breaks easily upon impact allowing fall-off, but it may break under normal operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable component is designed with specific geometric features including thin sections and predetermined break points that concentrate stress during impact. These local structural characteristics ensure the component breaks at specific locations under impact forces while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand normal operational stresses during assembly and use.
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 solution reduces repair costs by allowing only the breakable component to be replaced, minimizing the size of the repair unit and ensuring accurate and efficient detachment and reattachment of the switch assembly, while maintaining compliance with safety regulations regarding maximum projection length.
Implementation Method 1
when an impact is applied to the switch assembly, the brittle breakable component breaks and the switch assembly falls off
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fall-off structure for a switch is configured so that a switch assembly (6) including a plurality of switch components falls off from a switch mount (4) when an impact is received. The fall-off structure for a switch includes a breakable component (12) that has brittleness and is configured to break when an impact is applied to the switch assembly (6). The breakable component (12) is independent from another component of the switch assembly (6).