Switch Device Vertical Light Guide for Reliable Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices face issues with unreliable operation and impaired optical decorativeness due to restrictive light source placement and elastic member configuration, leading to uneven light irradiation and poor operation feeling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflective surface within the force transmission member that is inclined and positioned to reflect light from the source to the transmitting inner surface, even when the light source and transmitting member do not overlap, allowing for efficient light transmission and enhanced optical decorativeness, while also supporting the force transmission member near the center of gravity for improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the elastic member is disposed in the vicinity of the periphery of the push button switch to support the push button part, then a space for disposing the light guide plate is present inside of the push button switch, but the push button part does not necessarily move straight in a pressing direction, resulting in poor reliability of operation and bad operation feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the light guide plate from a horizontal/planar arrangement to a vertical arrangement along the pressing direction. The light guide plate is disposed between the push button part and the base part in the pressing direction, utilizing the vertical space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional change allows the elastic member to be positioned at the center for reliable operation while the light guide plate occupies the vertical space, resolving the contradiction between operational reliability and light guide placement space.
2Reliability
If the elastic member is disposed in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the push button part to enhance the reliability of operation, then the light source has to be disposed at a location away from the center of gravity, but due to light shielding by the elastic member, irradiation unevenness occurs and optical decorativeness is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is repositioned from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration along the pressing direction. It is disposed between the push button part and the base part, extending in the pressing direction. This allows the light source to be positioned at the center (improving operational reliability) while the light guide plate vertically transmits light to the push button part, avoiding light shielding by the elastic member and maintaining optical decorativeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate acts as an intermediary optical element that transmits light from the light source to the push button part. By positioning it vertically between the light source and the push button part, it mediates the light transmission path to avoid interference from the elastic member while ensuring uniform illumination and maintaining optical decorativeness.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is disposed at the center of the push button switch to illuminate the push button part, then the elastic member cannot be disposed at the center of gravity, but the push button part lacks the reliability of operation and has bad operation feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the light guide plate orientation from horizontal to vertical, positioning it between the push button part and the base part in the pressing direction. This allows the light source to be disposed at the center (improving operational reliability) while the vertical light guide plate transmits light effectively, resolving the contradiction between operational reliability and optical decorativeness.
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 ensures efficient light transmission to the irradiation target, enhances optical decorativeness, and improves the reliability of switch operations by allowing the force transmission member to be positioned near the center of gravity, thus simplifying design and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
the reflective surface is disposed at a position where the reflective surface reflects at least a part of the light from the light source to at least a portion of the transmitting inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes a base part which includes a switch element, an operating member, a force transmission member which transmits a force between the switch element and the operating member, a light source, and a reflective surface. The operating member includes an operating outer surface, an operating inner surface, and a transmitting member. The transmitting member has a transmitting inner surface. At least a portion of the force transmission member is disposed along a pressing direction between the transmitting inner surface and the switch element. The reflective surface is disposed at a position where it reflects at least a part of the light from the light source to at least a portion of the transmitting inner surface.