Electrical Switch With Segmented Activation Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switches lack versatility and cost-effectiveness, as they are not adaptable to multiple activation buttons and do not maintain a consistent position for light emitting elements during button activation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical switch design featuring a movable activation element with distinct retaining surfaces for different activation buttons, allowing multiple button configurations and a light emitting element that remains stationary regardless of button position, using materials like tin, tinbronze, and plastic with fiber reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical switch is designed with a fixed activation button, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and the structure is simplified, but the versatility and adaptability of the switch is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The activation element is designed with multiple sets of retaining surfaces (first retaining surfaces and second retaining surfaces) that can accommodate different types of activation buttons (first activation button and second activation button). This universal design allows a single switch body to perform multiple functions by supporting various button configurations, thereby improving versatility without requiring multiple specialized switch designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation element is segmented into distinct functional zones with different retaining surfaces. Each retaining surface is specifically configured to engage with corresponding mating surfaces on different activation buttons. This segmentation allows the switch to accommodate multiple button types while maintaining a unified overall structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different activation buttons are attached to the activation element, then the switch becomes more versatile, but the position of the light emitting element may vary affecting visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is extracted from the activation element and positioned independently within the switch housing. This separation allows the light emitting element to remain in a fixed position relative to the housing regardless of which activation button is attached. The light emitting element can thus maintain consistent visibility and illumination characteristics while the switch accommodates multiple different button configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical switch is designed to accommodate multiple button types, then customization options increase, but the manufacturing cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is designed as a universal platform with an activation element that incorporates multiple sets of retaining surfaces. This allows a single standardized switch body to accommodate various activation button types, reducing the need to manufacture multiple specialized switch variants. The modular design enables cost-effective production of the common switch body while allowing customization through different button attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple retaining surface configurations are merged into a single activation element structure. By combining the functionality of what would otherwise require separate switch designs into one unified component, the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced, while still providing customization options through different button selections.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical switch adapted to be engaged by a first and/or a second activation button by means of which a user may operate the electrical switch. The electrical switch comprises an activation element which defines first and second retaining surfaces for engagement with the first and the second activation button, respectively.