Switch Device In-Plane Detection for Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices have limited flexibility in arranging detection switches, making it difficult to reduce their size or thickness while maintaining effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A switch device design where the detection portions are aligned in the in-plane direction of a substrate, allowing for a tilting operation of the operating knob, with the detected portion integrally formed with the knob, and detection surfaces that perform a switching operation upon movement, enabling flexible arrangement and size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating shaft protrudes from both side surfaces and the lever is inserted through openings at the edges, then the tilting operation can be detected, but the degree of freedom in arranging the detection switch is limited and the size or thickness cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional arrangement (rotating shaft protruding from side surfaces with levers inserted through openings) to a two-dimensional planar arrangement (detection portions aligned on the substrate plane). This dimensional change allows the detection switch to be arranged flexibly on the substrate surface without requiring vertical space, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the switch while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection functionality from the mechanical lever system and integrates it directly into the substrate plane through detection portions. By taking out the need for protruding shafts and inserted levers, the design eliminates the spatial constraints imposed by the traditional three-dimensional arrangement, enabling both size reduction and flexible arrangement of detection elements.
2Volume of moving object
If the detection portions are arranged on the substrate in the in-plane direction, then the size or thickness can be reduced and arrangement flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity of the detection mechanism changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection portions directly with the substrate, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components like rotating shafts, levers, and openings. By combining the detection functionality into the substrate plane itself, the design reduces thickness while the modular nature of the detection portions maintains manageable complexity through standardized, repeatable elements arranged in two dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes an operating knob on which a tilting operation is performed, a detected portion that tilts with the tilting operation of the operating knob, a detection portion that detects movement of the detected portion, and a substrate on which the detection portion is arranged. The detection portion is aligned in an in-plane direction of the substrate and performs a switching operation upon detection of movement of the detected portion in the in-plane direction.