Switch with V-Shaped Elastic Arms for Compact Contact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microswitches with sliding contact mechanisms are limited in size reduction due to the orthogonal nipping of movable contact portions, which hinders effective utilization of longitudinal space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of elastic arm sections with a V-shape configuration at the ends of the slider ensures consistent contact force and allows for efficient use of width space, enabling a smaller switch size while maintaining reliable operation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If movable contact portions nip fixed contacts in the orthogonal direction, then contact reliability is improved, but longitudinal size of movable contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm sections are bent into a V-shape configuration, changing the contact force application from a straight longitudinal direction to an angled configuration. This dimensional change allows the contact force to be applied effectively while reducing the longitudinal footprint of the movable contacts, resolving the contradiction between contact reliability and size reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elastic arm sections by bending them into a V-shape with specific angles. This parameter change optimizes the contact force distribution and allows the movable contacts to maintain reliable electrical contact while occupying less longitudinal space, thus resolving the size-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If elastic arm sections are added to ensure contact force, then contact reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm sections are integrated directly into the slider body as a unified structure rather than being separate components. The V-shaped elastic arms are formed as part of the slider's coupling body, merging the elastic force-generating function with the sliding contact function. This integration maintains contact reliability while avoiding the complexity of additional separate parts and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm sections utilize flexible, thin-walled structures that can be bent into V-shapes. These flexible structures inherently provide the necessary elastic recovery force to maintain contact pressure without requiring complex mechanical spring mechanisms, thus improving contact reliability while keeping the structure relatively simple.
3Area of stationary object
If V-shape elastic arm sections are used, then stock width is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm sections are designed as separate bendable pieces that can be pre-formed and then assembled into the slider structure. This segmentation allows the V-shape bending to be performed on smaller, more manageable components with controlled precision, rather than requiring the entire slider to be formed with complex precision. The modular approach reduces the overall stock width requirement while managing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 configuration minimizes variations in contact force, reduces switch size, enhances assembling properties, and improves sealing airtightness, allowing for the production of both always-closed and always-open contact structures using the same components.
Implementation Method 1
a slider (41) having a plate shape coupling body (42), and elastic arm sections (43) formed by bending both ends of the coupling body (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention provides a switch (11,51,62,72) having a small longitudinal size of movable contacts and reduced size. The switch (11,51,62,72) includes a base (21), a pair of fixing terminals (31,36,63,73) standing on an upper surface of the base (21) , an insulating wall section (22) integrated with at least one of the fixing terminals (31,36,63,73), a push button (12) arranged to be upward and downward movable in the axial direction, and a slider (41,52,70,81) movable upward and downward with the push button (12). The slider (41,52,70,81) has elastic arm sections (43,54) in both ends thereof, the elastic arm sections (43,54) being provided with movable contact portions (48,49,59,60,86) to be brought into sliding contact with the fixing terminals (31,36,63,73) or the insulating wall section (22) while pressing the fixing terminals (31,36,63,73) or the insulating wall section (22) from one side. The switch (11,51,62,72) is configured to enable the movable contact portions (48,49,59,60,86) to connect to and separate from the fixing terminals (31,36,63,73) based on operation of the push button (12)upward and downward.