Customizable Toggle Selector Switch with Adjustable Pushbutton Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical toggle selector switches have fixed properties, making them difficult to tailor for specific uses, such as simulating different aircraft, requiring replacement or substantial modification.
Innovation Solution
A customizable toggle selector switch design with a pivotable activator stylus, spring mechanism, and adjustable pushbutton switches, allowing for modification of input forces and properties without machining or replacing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical toggle selector switch with fixed properties is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is divided into modular components: a housing, a pivotable activator stylus with stem, a base plate, and multiple independently adjustable pushbutton switches. Each pushbutton switch can be individually positioned and adjusted, allowing the same housing to be configured for different applications without replacing the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushbutton switches are made adjustable rather than fixed. The mounting positions of the pushbutton switches can be changed along the housing, and the input force characteristics can be modified by adjusting spring tension or dome stiffness. This dynamic configurability allows the switch to adapt to different aircraft simulation requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If replacement or substantial modification of the toggle selector switch is performed, then the adaptability to different aircraft is improved, but the ease of manufacture and modification is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into standardized modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The housing contains standardized mounting features for the pushbutton switches, allowing them to be positioned at different locations without custom machining. This modular approach simplifies both manufacturing and field modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and activator stylus form a universal base that can support multiple configurations of pushbutton switches. The same housing design can accommodate different numbers and positions of pushbutton switches, making it suitable for simulating different aircraft types without requiring custom housings for each application.
3Reliability
If the input force is increased for more realistic aircraft simulation, then the simulation accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input force parameter can be adjusted by changing the spring tension or dome stiffness in the pushbutton switches. This allows the operator to set the force required to activate each switch to match the characteristics of different aircraft controls, providing realistic simulation while maintaining operability through adjustable parameters rather than fixed high force 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
Enables easy tailoring of the toggle selector switch to various applications by adjusting input forces and properties, enhancing usability and reducing the need for hardware modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring supported in the housing, the base plate of the stem engaging the spring, whereby the spring will center the activator stylus on a central axis when a force applied to the stylus is removed
Implementation Method 2
The first electrically conductive dome is adapted and configured to flex under an applied force and to then touch the contact to complete a circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A toggle selector switch includes an activator stylus mounted in a housing to be pivotable about at least one axis. The toggle selector switch further includes at least one pushbutton switch positioned axially in the housing to be engaged when the elongate activator stylus is pivoted. The at least one pushbutton switch includes a mounting base including a contact and a first electrically conductive dome coupled to the mounting base. The first electrically conductive dome is positioned above the contact and is adapted and configured to flex under an applied force and to then touch the contact to complete a circuit and to return when the force is withdrawn. The activator stylus and the at least one pushbutton switch are adapted and configured such that the pushbutton switch outputs a signal indicating that the activator stylus has been moved in one of four directions.