Slim Switch With Integrated Elastic Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switches for electronic devices like mobile phones and digital cameras are bulky due to high volume ratios of rotating handles and coil springs, and a high parts count, making it difficult to downsize and reduce thickness.
Innovation Solution
A slim switch design with an actuating arm, a base, and an electrically conductive elastic member that integrates contact and spring structures on the same plane, housed within the base, reducing the overall size and parts count, and manufactured by electroforming to ensure thinness and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional switch structure with separate rotating handle, return spring, and movable contact spring is used, then the switch can achieve reliable switching function, but the volume ratio and parts count increase making it difficult to downsize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movable contact spring and return spring into a single integrated elastic member. This elastic member simultaneously provides both the movable contact function and the return spring function, reducing the parts count from multiple separate components to one unified structure while maintaining reliable switching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated elastic member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the movable contact spring that establishes electrical contact and the return spring that restores the actuating arm to its initial position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated return spring and movable contact spring components.
2Reliability
If a conventional switch structure with movable contact spring arranged between recess and return spring is used, then the switching function is achieved, but the thickness increases making it difficult to slim down products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the integrated elastic member and actuating arm structure from a vertical stacking arrangement (where the movable contact spring was positioned between the recess and return spring) to a planar configuration where components are arranged side-by-side within the recess. This dimensional reorganization reduces the thickness direction dimension while maintaining all necessary switching functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating arm and integrated elastic member are nested within the recess of the base, with the elastic member housed inside the recess space. This nesting arrangement allows the switch components to be compactly contained within the recess volume, minimizing the overall switch thickness.
3Reliability
If separate components (housing, rotating handle, return spring, movable contact spring) are used to constitute the switch, then the switching function is achieved, but the parts count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return spring and movable contact spring into a single integrated elastic member, reducing the component count. Additionally, the actuating arm is integrated with the elastic member through the driving portion and driven part interface, further consolidating the structure into fewer parts while maintaining functional reliability.
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 achieves a significant reduction in switch size and parts count, facilitating the slimming down of electronic devices, reducing manufacturing costs, and enabling automatic return mechanisms with multiple operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive elastic member that is housed within the recess of the base, the electrically conductive elastic member including at least one driven part that is driven by the driving portion of the driving body and at least one stretching part that is extendable and compressible through input to the at least one driven part
Data Source
AI summary
A switch has an actuating arm including an actuating portion and a driving portion, a base including a support that supports the actuating arm, and a recess having a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on the inner side face, and an electrically conductive elastic member that is housed within the recess of the base. The electrically conductive elastic member includes at least one driven part that is driven by the driving portion of the driving body and at least one stretching part that is extendable and compressible through input to the at least one driven part, at least one movable contacting member having a movable contact capable of being connected to the first fixed electrode, and at least one fixed contacting part having a fixed contact capable of being connected to the second fixed electrode.