Multi-directional Switch Slider Stroke Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional switches have limited operational strokes due to the use of annular elastic members, which restrict the movable distance of sliders and impair operativity and assembly workability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional switch design featuring a slider and an annular coil spring with a circular outer edge, where the spring is compressed within an accommodation space defined by point-symmetrical recesses in the housing and slider, allowing for maximum stroke extension and decentralized stress distribution, enhancing operativity and assembly ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the thickness of the O-ring is increased to enlarge the operational amount, then the movable distance of the slider is increased, but a large force is required for elastic deformation and operativity is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is divided into multiple annular coil springs arranged in parallel, each contributing to the overall elastic restoring force. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both large stroke and reduced individual spring thickness, improving operativity while maintaining operational amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member transitions from a single thick O-ring to multiple thinner annular coil springs arranged in a radial pattern. This dimensional reorganization distributes the elastic function across multiple elements, enabling large operational amount without requiring excessive thickness in any single element.
2Length of moving object
If the stroke is enlarged until the annular coil spring abuts against the inner peripheral wall, then the movable distance is increased, but the stroke is limited by the thickness of the annular coil spring
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple annular coil springs are nested within the accommodation space defined by the first housing and slider. This nesting arrangement allows the springs to be contained within a compact volume while still providing sufficient stroke, as the springs can deform radially and axially within the nested configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation occurs in multiple dimensions - radially outward from the center and axially along the sliding direction. This multi-dimensional deformation capability allows the springs to achieve large stroke without being constrained by their thickness in a single dimension.
3Ease of manufacture
If a jig is inserted from a hole in the upper housing to temporarily hold the annular coil spring, then the spring can be positioned, but assembly workability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodation space is pre-formed with a point-symmetrical shape that naturally guides and positions the annular coil springs during assembly. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for temporary holding jigs, as the springs self-align within the symmetrical accommodation space during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The point-symmetrical accommodation space provides self-aligning features that guide the annular coil springs into their correct positions without external assistance. The symmetrical geometry creates natural positioning points that enable the springs to self-position during assembly, improving ease of manufacture.
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 design significantly enlarges the operational stroke of the slider, reduces the risk of fatigue, and improves assembly workability by allowing the annular coil spring to be easily integrated without requiring additional assembly tools.
Implementation Method 1
the slider is configured to be pushed back to its initial position by the elastic restoring force of the O-ring with the release of the operating force
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding space is defined between a first housing and a second housing. The slider has at least a portion arranged within a sliding space, and is configured to two-dimensionally slide within the sliding space in response to an operating force. The first housing and the slider defines an accommodation space having a point-symmetrical shape therebetween. An elastic member having a circular outer edge is arranged within the accommodation space. An outer edge of the elastic member abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space (30) in a state where no operating force is applied to the slider. The elastic member is compressed by a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space as the slider slides within the sliding space.