Toggle Switch Contact Rubber Segmentation for Waterproofing and Low Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices face a trade-off between low operation resistance and excellent waterproofness, as increased operation resistance degrades the feel of the switch, while reducing resistance can lead to electrical leaks and malfunctions due to compromised sealing.
Innovation Solution
A switch device design featuring an operation knob and fork part that generates sliding resistance through contact with a contact rubber at specific positions, minimizing resistance by not contacting the rubber at intermediate positions, and using a contact rubber that covers the fork part and switch sections to maintain sealing and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rubber boot is attached to the periphery of the holder to prevent water and dust penetration, then waterproofness is improved, but operation resistance increases and operation feeling is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The contact rubber is divided into multiple segments: a first contact rubber at the tip end that contacts the fork part, and a second contact rubber at the base that contacts the holder. This segmentation allows the tip end contact rubber to generate necessary resistance for switching operation, while the base contact rubber maintains waterproof sealing without adding excessive operation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact rubber have different functions: the tip end portion contacts the fork part to provide switching resistance, while the base portion contacts the holder to provide waterproof sealing. This local differentiation of quality allows each portion to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If the operation resistance caused by the rubber seal and rubber boot is reduced, then operation feeling is improved, but sealing performance is reduced and electrical leak may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The contact rubber is segmented into a first contact rubber at the tip end for switching operation and a second contact rubber at the base for waterproof sealing. This allows the tip end to have minimal contact resistance for smooth operation, while the base maintains adequate contact for reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact rubber acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the fork part and the holder. It provides the necessary friction for switching operation at the tip end while maintaining waterproof sealing at the base, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of operation smoothness and sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If the contact rubber contacts the fork part at all positions, then sealing is maintained, but operation resistance increases throughout the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The contact rubber is segmented into a first contact rubber at the tip end that contacts the fork part only at switching positions, and a second contact rubber at the base that contacts the holder for continuous sealing. This segmentation allows sealing to be maintained at the base while minimizing contact resistance during intermediate movement positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact rubber engages with the fork part periodically only at the switching positions (first and second operating positions) rather than continuously throughout the movement. This periodic contact provides necessary sealing at critical points while allowing smooth movement during intermediate positions.
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
The design achieves low operation resistance while maintaining excellent waterproofness, preventing water penetration and ensuring reliable operation without compromising sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a contact rubber that contacts and seals an outer periphery of the fork part at the first operating position and the second operating position of the fork part thereby generating a sliding resistance between the fork part and the contact rubber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A switch device is provided that has a low operation resistance during the operation and an excellent waterproofness. A toggle switch 1 as the switch device includes an operation knob 10 that is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position, a fork part 20 that is activated by an operation of the operation knob, a switch section 30 that is switched by the fork part, and a contact rubber 40 that contacts and seals an outer periphery of the fork part at the first operating position and the second operating position of the fork part.