Movable Upper Panel Actuation with Peripheral Switching Breaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for electronic apparatuses experience imbalance and non-regular manipulation sensations due to the placement of the control action on the upper panel, leading to uneven force transmission to the switching breaker, causing tilting and non-homogeneous force distribution.
Innovation Solution
The vertical axis of the switching breaker is positioned at the periphery of the upper panel's contour, with an articulated structure comprising multiple shafts that transmit loadings and motions, ensuring the upper panel remains parallel to its horizontal plane regardless of the control action's position, and each shaft is rotatably mounted to allow for even force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the switching breaker is positioned at the center of the upper panel, then the structure is simplified, but the upper panel becomes unbalanced and tilts during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the switching breaker at the periphery of the upper panel rather than at the center, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric placement, combined with the articulated structure, balances the moments during actuation and prevents the upper panel from tilting, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and panel stability.
2Ease of operation
If the control action is applied at different positions on the upper panel, then user flexibility is improved, but the force transmission to the breaker becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the upper panel and the switching breaker. It transmits the control force homogeneously to the breaker regardless of where the user applies the force on the panel, maintaining force transmission precision while allowing user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated structure creates equipotential conditions for force transmission, ensuring that the mechanical advantage and force transmission ratio remain constant regardless of the application point on the panel. This eliminates variations in force transmission efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a pantograph structure is used to support the upper panel, then the panel can move vertically, but the panel experiences uncontrolled tilting motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the traditional symmetric pantograph structure by positioning the switching breaker asymmetrically at the periphery. This creates a balanced moment configuration that prevents uncontrolled tilting while preserving the vertical motion capability of the upper panel.
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 maintains the upper panel parallel to the horizontal plane during vertical motion, ensuring consistent tactile sensations and homogeneous force transmission to the switching breaker, regardless of the control action's position, thereby improving user experience and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each shaft may extend in a rectilinear direction and is arranged along an associated edge of the contour of the upper actuation face; comprise a first distal (with respect to the switching breaker) end segment which bears vertically downwards against a distal contact point belonging to the lower armature, and which bears vertically upwards against a distal contact point belonging to the upper panel
Implementation Method 2
a top rest position, to which the panel is elastically restored
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the control of an electronic apparatus. The device includes an upper panel upon which a user may exert at least one control action, a lower support armature upon which the upper panel is vertically and movably mounted, a switching breaker configured to be triggered by the upper panel, and an articulated structure configured to hold the upper panel. An axis of actuation of the switching breaker may be arranged at the periphery of a contour of the upper panel, and the articulated structure may include several consecutive shafts, each of which is arranged along an associated edge of the contour of the upper actuation face of the upper panel.