Switch Rocker Assembly for Flexible Appliance Switch Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch assembly in electric cleaning and caring appliances, such as electric toothbrushes, lacks flexibility in layout due to the need for additional wires to connect the switching device to the power source, resulting in a complex internal electrical structure and limited positioning options.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with a rocker mechanism that includes a small arm, a large arm, and a pivoting portion, where the large arm has a greater length than the small arm, and an elastic member generating a pre-tensioned state, allowing the switch to be actuated without the need for long wires by using a retaining system that includes U-slots and blind holes to maintain compactness and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the switching device is arranged away from the motor or battery to meet operational convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but additional wires are required resulting in increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The switch rocker serves as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits the user's pressing action from the switch portion on the housing to the switching device. The rocker's pivoting portion acts as a fulcrum, allowing the distal end to be pressed while the large arm triggers the switch, eliminating the need for long electrical wires while maintaining operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The switch rocker is divided into distinct functional segments: the small arm for retention, the pivoting portion as fulcrum, and the large arm for actuating the switch. This segmentation allows the switching device to be positioned independently from the switch portion, improving layout flexibility without requiring additional wiring
2Device complexity
If the switch portion needs to match the mounting position of the switching device inside the handle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flexibility of arrangement of the switch portion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The switch rocker introduces a mechanical linkage dimension that decouples the spatial relationship between the switch portion and the switching device. By using the rocker's pivoting motion, the system gains freedom in positioning the switching device away from the switch portion, enabling flexible arrangement while maintaining a simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The switch rocker is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot around a fulcrum. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to accommodate different positioning requirements for the switching device while maintaining a simple structural design, as the rocker adapts its position during actuation
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
This solution simplifies the internal layout of the appliance by allowing the switch to be positioned closer to the motor or battery without additional wiring, enhancing the compactness and ease of component mounting while maintaining waterproofing and ergonomic functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the switch is provided with an elastic member which generates an elastic force acting on the large arm of the switch rocker, and a second moment generated by the elastic force around the pivoting portion is in the same direction as the first moment
Implementation Method 2
when no pressing force acts on the switch rocker, the small arm of the switch rocker is bent and deformed to be in a pre-tensioned state, while the switch rocker generates a first moment around the pivoting portion to make the large arm tend to move away from the switch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a switch assembly for a cleaning and caring appliance, and a cleaning and caring appliance. The switch assembly comprises: a switch; and a switch rocker having a distal end and a proximal end, the switch being arranged below the distal end of the switch rocker such that the switch rocker operatively triggers the switch, wherein the rocker comprises a small arm, a large arm, and a pivoting portion located between the small arm and the large arm, the large arm having a length greater than that of the small arm, and the large arm comprising the distal end; and the switch assembly further comprises a first retaining portion for retaining the pivoting portion of the switch rocker and a second retaining portion for retaining the proximal end of the switch rocker, and the second retaining portion retains an end of the small arm away from the pivoting portion.