Touch-Action Switch Elastic Actuator Pre-Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-action electric switches face challenges in controlling the pre-load force during the initial operating stroke while maintaining efficient touch action for establishing an electrical switching path.
Innovation Solution
A touch-action electric switch design featuring a single-piece elastic actuating body with distinct top and lateral parts, where the central actuating surface initially deforms during the pre-load phase and the lateral surface engages during the switching phase to ensure precise contact establishment between movable and fixed electrical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single-piece elastic actuating body is used to provide pre-load effect during the first phase of operating stroke, then the pre-load force control is improved, but the transmission efficiency of touch action during the second phase deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating body is divided into two distinct functional parts: a top central part that engages with the movable electrical contact to provide pre-load effect, and a top lateral part that surrounds the central part and engages with the pushbutton during the switching phase. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between pre-load control and touch action transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the actuating body are given different mechanical properties and geometries: the top central part has a first elastic modulus optimized for pre-load, while the top lateral part has a second elastic modulus optimized for touch action transmission. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both functions without compromise.
2Force
If the central actuating surface deforms during pre-load phase, then pre-load effect is achieved, but the mechanical play increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top lateral part of the actuating body is designed to engage with the pushbutton before the top central part engages with the movable electrical contact. This preliminary engagement stabilizes the actuating body structure during the pre-load phase, preventing excessive deformation and mechanical play while still achieving the necessary pre-load effect.
3Reliability
If the lateral actuating surface engages during switching phase, then touch action transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating body integrates both pre-load and switching functions into a single monolithic elastic component. The top central part and top lateral part are formed as one piece from elastic material, eliminating the need for separate pre-load mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced functional capabilities.
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 design effectively manages pre-load force and ensures reliable electrical switching by maintaining efficient transmission of touch action, enhancing the control over the operating stroke and reducing mechanical play in the rest state.
Implementation Method 1
a single-piece actuating body made of elastic material, arranged in the base... During a first phase of the operating stroke of the pushbutton, the central actuating surface of the pushbutton acts on the top force-receiving portion and elastically deforms the thin wall part
Data Source
AI summary
An electric switch includes a base which receives a plurality of fixed electrical contacts and a movable electrical contact. The switch also includes an actuating body made of elastic material. The switch also includes a central, top, pushbutton. The body includes a lateral part, surrounding a top force-receiving portion. The pushbutton includes a lateral actuating surface for acting on this top lateral part of the body. When operated, successively, the central actuating surface of the pushbutton acts on the top force-receiving portion and elastically deforms a wall part of the body, and then the lateral actuating surface of the pushbutton acts on the top lateral part.