Waterproof Switch Device with Rotational Slip Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices for wristwatches suffer from poor operability due to their design, which prioritizes water-proofness and mud-proofness but makes it difficult to operate the button member effectively from the outside.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a shaft section inserted into a through hole, a head section on the outer end, an elastic body that forces the head section outward, and a slipping section providing rotational slipperiness, allowing for improved operational ease while maintaining water-proofness and mud-proofness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof sheet is used to achieve water-proofness and mud-proofness, then water-proofness and mud-proofness are improved, but operability of the button member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is divided into two distinct parts: a head portion for operation and a shaft portion for transmission. This segmentation allows the head to be operated from outside the waterproof case while the shaft transmits the operation internally, resolving the contradiction between waterproofness and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft portion acts as an intermediary element that connects the head portion (outside waterproof) with the button member (inside waterproof). It transmits the pressing force and rotational motion through the waterproof barrier without compromising the seal, enabling operation while maintaining water-proofness.
2Reliability
If the button member is operated only from outside the waterproof, then water-proofness is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation is extended to multiple dimensions: the head portion can be pressed axially and rotated circumferentially. This multi-dimensional operation capability, transmitted through the shaft portion, provides ease of operation while the waterproof sheet maintains the seal in the radial dimension.
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 solution enhances operability by allowing smooth rotation and pressing of the switch device without unintentional activation by external pressures, ensuring effective waterproof and mud-proof performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body which is arranged between outer surface of the case and inner surface of the head section of the operation member opposing the outer surface of the case, and forces the head section outward from the case by an elastic force of a material of the elastic body
Implementation Method 2
a slipping section which provides slipperiness in a rotational direction to the elastic body and the head section
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device including a case provided with a through hole, an operation member including a shaft section which is inserted into the through hole of the case and a head section which is provided on an outer end portion of the shaft section and arranged outside the case, an elastic body which is arranged between outer surface of the case and inner surface of the head section of the operation member opposing the outer surface of the case, and forces the head section outward from the case by an elastic force of a material of the elastic body, and a slipping section which provides slipperiness in a rotational direction to the elastic body and the head section.