Switch Force Transmission Element With Flexible Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
In control modules with translational switches, the flexible frame connecting plungers often transmits forces to adjacent plungers, leading to unintended actuation of adjacent switches, particularly in directional cross control modules, making the frame fragile and difficult to assemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A force transmission element with N movable plungers connected by a flexible frame featuring bypass portions, connecting portions forming a closed outer frame, and control beams that reduce coupling between plungers without compromising compactness, using the same plastic material for both plungers and frame, with elongated sections and convolutions to enhance flexibility and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the frame is made thinner to reduce force transmission to adjacent plungers, then the coupling between plungers is reduced, but the frame becomes more fragile and harder to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional properties: thinner sections (bypass portions) where force isolation is needed between plungers, and thicker connecting portions where structural strength is required. This local differentiation allows the frame to simultaneously reduce unwanted force transmission while maintaining handling durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into functionally distinct portions: bypass portions that provide flexibility and isolate forces between adjacent plungers, and connecting portions that provide structural support. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If the frame is made thinner to improve flexibility, then the handling fragility increases, but the material is already optimized for plunger rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of different frame portions. The bypass portions have smaller cross-sections to provide flexibility and accommodate plunger movement, while the connecting portions have larger cross-sections to ensure handling durability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and strength within a single homogeneous material.
3Volume of moving object
If plungers are arranged close together to achieve compactness, then force transmission to adjacent plungers increases, causing unintended actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into bypass portions that create localized flexible zones between closely spaced plungers. These bypass portions act as force isolation elements, allowing the plungers to be arranged compactly while preventing force transmission to adjacent plungers during actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass portions of the frame utilize flexible thin-walled structures that can deform locally to absorb and isolate forces. This flexibility allows compact plunger arrangement while preventing rigid force transmission between adjacent plungers, thereby maintaining actuation accuracy.
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 solution effectively reduces translational coupling between plungers, maintaining assembly compactness and ease while preventing unwanted actuation of adjacent switches, enhancing the durability and handling of the control module.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible frame connecting the N plungers, the frame includes: for each plunger a bypass portion each partially surrounding the associated plunger
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an element for transmitting depression force between a switch body (3) and a whole number N of electronic switches (11) that is greater than or equal to 2, said switches being disposed on the ends of a segment (S) or the vertices of a polygon (P), comprising N plungers (7) that are translationally movable along a depression axis of the switch body (3), and a flexible frame (9) connecting the N plungers (7), characterised in that the frame (9) comprises: - for each plunger (7), a bypass portion (13) each partially surrounding the associated plunger (7); - connection portions (15) pairwise connecting the bypass portions (13) so as to form a closed outer frame; - control members (17) bearing on a free end of a plunger (7) and connected by the other end to the bypass portion of an adjacent plunger (7) following the polygon (P) in a predetermined direction.