Operation Switch Release Lever for Dense Panel Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation switches require manual dexterity to separate the switch unit from the operation unit, especially when densely fitted, making it difficult to rotate the switch unit due to narrow intervals between adjacent switches.

Innovation Solution

An operation switch design featuring a latching unit and a release lever that allows for easy detachment by operating a protruding to-be-pressed portion, which displaces the latching unit via an elastic arm, enabling separation without the need for manual dexterity, even in densely packed configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If operation switches are densely fitted in a panel, then the space utilization is improved, but the interval between adjacent operation switches becomes narrow, making it difficult to rotate the switch unit for separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operation switches per panelVSAvoidease of separating switch unit from operation unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is divided into two separable units: a switch unit and an operation unit. The latching mechanism is segmented into a latching unit on the operation unit and a latching receiving unit on the switch unit, allowing independent separation of functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A release lever is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate separation. The release lever translates a simple pressing motion into the displacement of the latching unit, enabling separation without requiring finger rotation or manipulation in narrow spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a rotation-based separation mechanism is used, then the switch unit can be separated from the operation unit, but manual dexterity and finger access are required, which is problematic in densely fitted configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of separation mechanismVSAvoidease of separating switch unit from operation unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring rotation to initiate separation, the design uses a pressing motion on the release lever that is opposite to the latching direction. This inverts the operational sequence: pressing the release lever displaces the latching unit to release the latched state, enabling separation through a simpler linear motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The release lever is configured to be operated from an external end portion of the switch unit, allowing the separation mechanism to serve itself by translating external pressing force into internal latching unit displacement without requiring additional manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables simple and efficient separation of the switch unit from the operation unit, even in tight spaces, by using a release lever that directly releases the latching mechanism, facilitating easy operation and installation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic arm that is disposed between the to-be-pressed portion and the releasing surface to hold the release lever in such a manner that the release lever stays at the switch unit, in which when the to-be-pressed portion is pressed, the releasing surface turns about the elastic arm so that the latching unit may be displaced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9171682B2Operation switch

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 OMRON CORP

AI summary

An operation switch where a switch unit can be separated from an operation unit in a simple manner even when the operation switches are densely fitted is disclosed herein. The operation switch of the invention includes an operation unit that is disposed on a front surface side of a panel and operated by external pressing force, a switch unit that can be separated from a rear surface side of the panel from the operation unit, a latching unit formed on an external circumferential surface of the operation unit along an axial center direction, a latching receiving unit which is formed along an external circumferential surface of the switch unit and to which the latching unit is latched, and a release lever that releases a latching state of the latching unit and the latching receiving unit so that the switch unit is separated from the operation unit.