Two-Stage Switch Assembly with Lateral Dome and Contact Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-stage electrical switches in electronic devices face challenges in distinguishing between different stage activations due to complexity and difficulty in providing adequate tactile feedback, leading to user interface overcrowding and increased complexity as the number of functions increases.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly featuring a push key with a resilient member that deforms to close a first switch under a first force and maintains closure while a second force collapses a collapsible dome switch to close a second switch, providing distinct tactile feedback for each stage through lateral positioning of the dome and contact pad switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single push button with actuator is used to control both focusing and shutter functions, then the number of keys is reduced, but it becomes difficult to align the actuator with the dome switch and provide distinct tactile feedback for each stage
Solution Approach 1:
The single push button is segmented into two functionally independent switches: a first switch with upper and lower contacts for focusing function, and a second dome switch with upper and lower contacts for shutter function. This segmentation allows each switch to provide distinct tactile feedback while maintaining a compact single-button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single vertical actuator alignment to a lateral arrangement where the first and second switches are positioned side-by-side. This dimensional change enables independent optimization of each switch's tactile characteristics while maintaining compact overall structure.
2Device complexity
If a single push button with actuator is used to control both focusing and shutter functions, then the number of keys is reduced, but alignment control becomes difficult without adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into a first actuator portion aligned with the first switch and a second actuator portion aligned with the second switch. This segmentation eliminates the need for precise single-point alignment, as each actuator portion can be independently positioned relative to its corresponding switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes from vertical stacking requiring precise alignment to lateral positioning of multiple switches. This dimensional reconfiguration simplifies manufacturing by allowing independent positioning of each switch and actuator portion without complex alignment requirements.
3Device complexity
If multiple switches are combined in a single key, then user interface complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to discern different stage activations
Solution Approach 1:
Each switch is designed with distinct local characteristics: the first switch provides a first tactile feel upon activation, while the second dome switch provides a different tactile feel. This local differentiation allows users to easily distinguish between focusing and shutter function activations despite both being triggered by the same physical button press.
4Ease of operation
If lateral positioning of dome and contact pad switches is used, then tactile feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple switches (first switch with upper/lower contacts and second dome switch with upper/lower contacts) into a single integrated switch assembly. This merging approach provides distinct tactile feedback for each function while presenting a unified compact structure to the user, effectively hiding the internal complexity.
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 simplifies user interaction by providing clear tactile feedback for each stage, reducing the complexity of the user interface and improving the usability of multi-functional devices by ensuring proper alignment and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member surrounding said first upper contact and said first lower contact and acting to separate said first upper contact and said first lower contact... upon movement of the push key, the resilient member deforms to close the first switch
Implementation Method 2
a second switch comprising a collapsible dome supported by the lower surface and being aligned with the second end portion, the dome comprising a second upper contact and a second lower contact; wherein upon movement of the push key... a second force greater than the first force may be applied to collapse the dome and close said second switch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A switch assembly is provided to actuate a pair of switches using a single push key, e.g. for a camera that utilizes a first switch to activate an image focusing function and a second switch to activate a camera shutter. The switch assembly comprises a contact pad switch and a dome switch that are located laterally to one another. When the push key receives a first downward force, only the contact pad switch becomes activated and a first electric circuit is completed. When the push key receives a second downward force that is greater than the first force, the dome switch collapses and a second electric circuit is completed.