Two-Step Switch Contact Layout for Dual-Circuit Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-step switch technology, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-124153, is unable to perform switching between two switch circuits when pressure is not applied, resulting in an open electric circuit.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a housing containing central and peripheral fixed contacts, a first movable contact, a second movable contact, and a first stem that presses the first movable contact to separate from the second movable contact and invert, establishing a conductive connection with the central fixed contact upon pressing, allowing for switching between two switch circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-step switch is designed with movable contacts and springs to achieve switching between two circuits, then switching functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The switch device is segmented into functionally independent components: a first switch circuit with first movable contact and first spring, and a second switch circuit with second movable contact and second spring. Each segment operates independently to control its respective circuit, allowing the complex switching functionality to be divided into manageable, modular units that reduce overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for all components, contains both switch circuits within a single enclosure, and incorporates both movable contacts and springs for dual-circuit control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining versatile switching capability.
2Volume of moving object
If the switch device is compacted to reduce size, then the volume is reduced, but the reliability of contact separation and inversion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first movable contact and first spring are nested within the housing in a compact arrangement where the spring is positioned to directly support the movable contact. Similarly, the second movable contact and second spring are nested in the available space. This nesting allows the device to achieve compact volume while maintaining the mechanical reliability of contact separation and inversion through optimized spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable contacts are designed to move not only vertically for contact separation but also to invert horizontally to establish contact with opposite polarity terminals. This multi-dimensional movement (vertical separation + horizontal inversion) allows the compact device to achieve reliable switching functionality by utilizing available space in multiple directions rather than requiring excessive linear distance.
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 switching between two switch circuits in a simple configuration, providing a stable and reliable contact mechanism with automatic return to the initial state upon release of pressure, while maintaining a compact size and suppressing unwanted contact in the second ON state.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring that is disposed on an upper side of the first movable contact and is configured to push the first movable contact toward the central fixed contact
Implementation Method 2
the first movable contact separates from the second movable contact and becomes inverted, thereby contacting the central fixed contact
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes a housing that includes a central fixed contact and a first peripheral fixed contact that are at a central portion of a bottom surface of a recessed portion of the housing, and a second peripheral fixed contact that is at a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion; a first movable contact that is disposed on an upper side of the central portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion and is in contact with the first peripheral fixed contact; a second movable contact that is disposed on an upper side of the first movable contact and is in contact with the first movable contact and the second peripheral fixed contact; and a first stem that is disposed on an upper side of the second movable contact and is configured to press the first movable contact toward the central fixed contact.