Switch With Sloped Faces For Multi-Directional Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch device limits operational direction to rotation about one vertex, restricting its functionality and increasing the likelihood of operational direction limitations.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a housing with an operation surface and internal compartment, a movable member extending through an operation hole, and guides that allow the movable member to be reciprocable in multiple directions, with an operation part having multiple slopes intersecting with the central axis, enabling operation in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operation lever is designed as a triangular flat plate rotating about one vertex, then the operational direction is limited to rotation direction, but the structure is simple and easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The operation part transitions from a 2D triangular flat plate to a 3D structure with multiple sloping surfaces. These surfaces extend in multiple directions from the central axis, enabling the operation lever to respond to forces applied from various angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The sloping surfaces create multiple operational facets without requiring complex internal mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable member is made reciprocable in multiple directions, then operational versatility is improved, but the guidance and sealing requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure provides localized guidance at specific points along the movement path, rather than constraining the entire movable member. The sealing structure similarly provides localized sealing at critical interfaces. This localized approach allows multi-directional movement while maintaining reliability through targeted guidance and sealing at key locations.
3Ease of operation
If the operation part has multiple slopes intersecting from the central axis, then force transmission in multiple directions is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sloping surfaces are designed to extend beyond what would be minimally required for a single-direction operation. This excessive action in terms of surface extension provides multiple operational facets that can handle forces from various directions. The design accepts that some precision may be sacrificed in less critical areas to achieve the overall multi-directional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch includes a housing, a movable member reciprocable in a movement direction relative to the housing and including an operation part located at an end of the movable member outside the housing, and a guide that guides the movable member in the movement direction. The operation part has a plurality of slopes extending linearly from the operation surface toward a distal end of the movable member outside the housing, sloping away from a central axis of the movable member toward the operation surface, and sloping in directions intersecting with one another as viewed in the movement direction.