Multi-Directional Switch Slider Structure With Reduced Tolerance Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-directional operation switches face reliability issues due to tolerance accumulation and structural instability caused by the sequential stacking of three components, leading to undesired restrictions in slider movement and difficulties in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional operation switch structure with a double support system where the slider is guided by a single holder, reducing the number of tolerance-managed parts from three to two, and incorporating a rotational coupling mechanism to limit slider rotation, thereby enhancing structural stability and ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three components (holder, slider, casing) are sequentially stacked to form a multi-directional operation switch, then the switch can perform various functions with a single component, but tolerance accumulation among the three parts increases significantly, lowering product reliability and causing difficulties in tolerance management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holder and casing into a single integrated component structure. The holder is designed with a first region that guides the slider and a second region that serves as the casing, eliminating the need for separate holder and casing components. This integration reduces the number of parts from three (holder, slider, casing) to two (integrated holder-casing, slider), thereby reducing tolerance accumulation and improving manufacturing precision while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated holder-casing component performs multiple functions: it protects internal components (holder function), guides the slider movement (guiding function), and provides structural support (casing function). This multi-functionality allows the single component to replace what previously required three separate components, reducing complexity and tolerance management difficulties while maintaining the switch's ability to perform various functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three components (holder, slider, casing) are sequentially stacked, then the switch structure can accommodate various internal components, but the number of parts requiring tolerance management increases, making manufacturing more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holder and casing into one integrated component, reducing the total parts quantity from three to two. The integrated component maintains the protective enclosure function (accommodating internal components) while eliminating the interface between separate holder and casing parts, thereby reducing device complexity and the number of assemblies required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the slider is interposed between the holder and the casing, then the switch can achieve multi-directional operation, but tolerance between the slider and holder and between the slider and casing accumulates, lowering product reliability
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the holder and casing into a single component, the patent eliminates one interface (between holder and casing) and reduces the number of tolerances that need to be managed. The slider now interfaces with only one component (the integrated holder-casing) instead of two separate components, reducing tolerance accumulation and improving product reliability while maintaining multi-directional operation capability.
4Ease of operation
If external force is applied to the casing, then the switch can respond to user input, but the casing presses the slider and the slider is pressed by the holder, causing undesired restriction in slider movement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated holder-casing structure provides a unified support system that distributes and manages external forces more effectively. The first region and second region of the integrated component work together to guide and support the slider, preventing the undesired pressing and restriction effects that occur when separate holder and casing components independently react to external forces.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a slider guide structure is used to allow horizontal movement, then the switch enables multi-directional operation, but the slider may separate when it moves irregularly due to external vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated holder-casing structure provides continuous support and guidance for the slider along its movement path. The first region and second region work together to constrain the slider, preventing irregular movements and separation that can occur with separate guide structures subjected to external vibration.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional operation switch structure seeks to improve the reliability of a product by minimizing tolerances that need to be managed by making two regions guiding the sliding movement of a slider to be formed by one holder in a switch structure in which a knob is configured on the outside of a casing, and the slider and a holder connected to the knob are inside the casing. Especially, the present disclosure can improve structural stability due to a double support structure and ensure reliability of slider movement by allowing the holder as well as the casing to withstand pressure resulting from external forces. In addition, the present disclosure can simplify a coupling structure and a support structure by configuring the slider to be coupled to the holder in a rotational manner, and the coupled slider to be limited in rotation by the casing.