Switch Plunger Torsion Spring Biasing Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches with high spring constants for maintaining contact pressure suffer from reduced operability due to increased force required for plunger movement, especially when the number of contacts increases.
Innovation Solution
A switch design utilizing torsion springs that bias the plunger differently depending on its position, with upper torsion springs abutting perpendicular to the returning direction at the reference position and changing to a side surface bias between the reference and operation positions, reducing the force required for plunger movement and enhancing operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring with a large spring constant is used to maintain contact pressure, then the contact pressure between contacts is improved, but the force required for plunger movement increases and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's biasing direction is made dynamic rather than fixed. The spring switches between abutting the surface perpendicular to the returning direction (providing contact pressure) and abutting the side surface (reducing operation resistance), allowing the system to adapt its mechanical characteristics based on the plunger position and operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant's effective value changes based on the plunger position. When the plunger is at the reference position, the spring abuts the perpendicular surface providing high biasing force for contact pressure. When the plunger moves toward the operation position, the spring transitions to abutting the side surface, effectively reducing the spring constant and thus reducing the force required for operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of contacts is increased, then the switching capability is improved, but the biasing force required increases and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning of the spring allows the system to handle multiple contacts without proportionally increasing operation force. The spring transitions from providing maximum biasing force (when abutting the perpendicular surface) to providing reduced biasing force (when abutting the side surface), enabling multi-contact switches to maintain good operability
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 switch achieves improved operability by minimizing the increase in biasing force as the plunger moves, allowing for smoother operation and reduced load necessary for pressing, even with multiple contacts.
Implementation Method 1
a contact pressure spring which biases the plunger
Implementation Method 2
the contact pressure spring abuts against a surface perpendicular to the returning direction when the plunger is in the reference position, and abuts against a side surface of the plunger when the plunger is located at a position between the operation position and the predetermined position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a switch 1 with excellent operability. The switch 1 is provided with a plunger 30, a lower torsion spring 50 in which a biasing direction changes according to the movement of the plunger 30. The lower torsion spring 50 biases the plunger 30 in a returning direction when the plunger 30 is in a reference position, and biases the plunger 30 in a direction different from the returning direction when the plunger 30 is in an operation position.