Switch Assembly via Single-Direction Mounting and Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches have low productivity due to complex assembly processes requiring parts to be mounted from multiple directions, leading to increased assembly time and part displacement issues.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a base with fixed contact terminals, a sliding body, an operation lever, a coil spring, and a cover that can be mounted from above, allowing for easy assembly with a single directional mounting process, utilizing a coil spring housing and supporting rib for secure positioning and returning force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If parts are mounted from multiple directions in conventional switches, then the switch can be assembled with traditional mounting methods, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by having all parts (fixed contact terminals, sliding body, operation lever, coil spring) mounted from above the base rather than from below. This reversal of the mounting direction simplifies the assembly process and enables automated production, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If parts are mounted from multiple directions, then traditional mounting methods can be used, but parts tend to fall off during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary positioning actions where the base has predetermined positions and mounting structures that guide and secure parts during the single-direction mounting process. The fixed contact terminals are press-fitted into predetermined positions on the base, and the sliding body, operation lever, and coil spring are similarly positioned, preventing parts from falling off during assembly and improving positioning stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple mounting directions are used, then conventional assembly methods can be applied, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly process into distinct, sequential steps for mounting each component (fixed contact terminals, sliding body, operation lever, coil spring, cover) from above the base. This segmentation of the assembly process into manageable stages simplifies the overall complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture, as each component can be independently positioned and secured.
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 design facilitates easy and automated assembly of the switch, enhancing productivity by ensuring secure mounting and reducing the likelihood of part displacement during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring assembled to the sliding body, and biasing the sliding body to return toward the operation lever when the sliding body is moved by the operation lever
Data Source
AI summary
The switch includes the base, a plurality of the fixed contact terminals, the sliding body, the operation lever, the coil spring, and the cover. From above the base, the fixed contact terminals, the sliding body, the operation lever, and the coil spring are mounted to the base, and the sliding body is pressed against the operation lever to position the operation lever. The cover is mounted to the base from above so as to press the operation lever by the pressing portion of the cover and cause the operation lever to rotate to an initial position.