Multi-directional Switching Assembly Rattling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-directional switching devices face challenges in automating the assembly process due to the opposite directions of attaching the operation knob and drive members, leading to potential malfunctions and deterioration of the operation feeling, primarily caused by the descending drive members affecting adjacent ones through elastic arm members.
Innovation Solution
The multi-directional switching device configures drive members to be inserted from the top panel, with adjacent members connected via elastic arm members, allowing both the operation knob attachment and drive member insertion to be done from the same side, preventing rattling and malfunctions by isolating drive members into separate units, and incorporating skirt portions to prevent foreign substance penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drive members are connected by elastic arm members to be handled as one integrated part, then assembly efficiency is improved, but drive members affect each other during operation causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive members into separate units by removing the elastic arm members that connected them. Each drive member is now independently mounted on the circuit board without being mechanically linked to others, allowing them to operate independently without mutual interference while maintaining assembly efficiency through standardized mounting procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If operation knob is attached to top panel first, then drive members are inserted from bottom, then assembly process cannot be automated due to opposite attachment directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly sequence by attaching drive members to the top panel first, then attaching the operation knob from the top side. This reversal of the assembly order allows both components to be installed from the same direction, enabling automated assembly processes without requiring manual intervention to access opposite sides of the device.
3Ease of manufacture
If drive members are inserted from bottom of casing, then assembly complexity increases due to multiple-sided access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the top panel serve multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting surface for drive members and the access point for installing the operation knob. This universal access point eliminates the need for separate bottom access, simplifying the assembly process and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of component installation.
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 enables automated assembly, reduces rattling and malfunctions, and enhances the operation feeling by isolating drive members and preventing foreign substance ingress, while maintaining stability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an arbitrary one of the plurality of drive members is connected via an elastic arm member to another one of the plurality of drive members adjacent to at least one side of the arbitrary drive member in the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
the respective drive members are projected from the upper ends of the corresponding guide holes under the biasing force applied by the projections of the switching elements
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an easily assembled multi-directional switching device that prevents the rattling of drive members, in which each pair of drive members mutually adjacent in the circumferential direction are connected to each other by an elastic arm member to form drive member units, and in which stem portions of the respective drive members are inserted in a casing from above corresponding guide holes to position the elastic arm members of the drive member units on the upper surface side of a top panel of the casing.