Switch Device With Pivoting Panel For Multi-Unit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical switch devices require multiple buttons to control multiple switch units, leading to an unpleasing appearance and reduced operational convenience due to gaps and inconsistent angles, making them difficult for users to operate accurately.
Innovation Solution
A single switch panel that can pivot and reset in various directions, supported by a rotatable support rod and shaft system, with a reset mechanism using a spring and contact plate to maintain balance and facilitate easy operation of multiple switch units without gaps or unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switch buttons are arranged parallelly to control multiple switch units, then the control capability for multiple switch units is achieved, but the appearance becomes unpleasing due to gaps and inconsistent angles among buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch buttons into a single operation panel that can pivot to different positions. Instead of having separate buttons arranged parallelly (which creates gaps and angle inconsistencies), the invention combines them into one unified panel that rotates to align with different switch units, thereby achieving both multi-control capability and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can pivot between different angular positions to align with different switch units. This dynamic capability allows a single panel to replace multiple fixed buttons, solving both the appearance issue (no gaps or angle inconsistencies) and the control capability requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switch buttons are arranged on a limited surface to control multiple switch units, then the control capability is achieved, but the surface area of each button becomes smaller which reduces operational convenience and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple small buttons into a single operation panel with a larger surface area. This merged panel provides sufficient operating surface for user interaction while maintaining the ability to control multiple switch units through pivoting motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between control capability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting capability of the operation panel allows it to present a large operational surface to the user regardless of which switch unit is being controlled. The panel rotates to align with the target switch unit while maintaining its full surface area, ensuring consistent ease of operation across all control positions.
3Shape
If a single operation panel is used to control multiple switch units through pivoting, then the appearance is improved and operational surface area is increased, but the mechanism complexity increases due to support rod and reset mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pivoting mechanism supported by a support rod that allows the operation panel to rotate between positions. The reset mechanism uses a spring to automatically return the panel to its initial position. While this adds mechanical complexity, it achieves the aesthetic and operational benefits of a single unified panel, and the complexity is concentrated in the support structure rather than requiring multiple independent button mechanisms.
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 provides a more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly interface by allowing a single switch panel to control multiple units with a larger operating surface, enhancing operational convenience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the reset mechanism includes a spring and a reset pad located in the support slot and has a contact plate on the second end of the support rod. Furthermore the spring forces the reset pad to abut against the contact plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device, comprising: a base body (1), a plurality of switching units (2) mounted on the base body, an operation panel (3) operable to slant in a plurality of different directions with respect to the base body and separately press each of the plurality of the switching units through a support rod (4) flexibly connected to the base body, and a reset mechanism (5) configured to drive the operation panel to restore from any slant state to a balanced state with respect to the base body; in the balanced state, the operation panel does not press any one of the plurality of the switch units. The switch device has a pleasing appearance and is easy to operate.