Wireless Switch Push Button Lockout Against Accidental Pressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless switches are prone to accidental operation when dropped or transported due to the push button being activated unintentionally.

Innovation Solution

A wireless switch with a restriction member that restricts the movement of the push button from a non-operating to an operating position, using a movable restriction member to prevent unintended operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a push button is provided in a wireless switch, then the switch can be operated to transmit signals, but the push button may be wrongly operated when the switch is dropped or transported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepush button operationVSAvoidwrong operation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member is configured to preliminarily restrict the push button's movement in the pressed direction before any accidental operation can occur. This preliminary restriction prevents the harmful action (wrong operation during dropping or transport) while allowing the intended action (deliberate button pressing) to proceed when the restriction is properly released.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member acts as an intermediary between the push button and the switching mechanism. It mediates the push button's movement by restricting it in the pressed direction, thereby preventing direct transmission of accidental forces to the switching mechanism while still allowing controlled operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a restriction member is added to prevent wrong operation, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrong operation preventionVSAvoidrestriction member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member utilizes a flexible plate structure that can elastically deform. This flexible plate configuration provides the necessary restriction function while maintaining a simple, compact form factor. The elasticity of the plate allows it to flex during proper button operation while restricting accidental pressed movements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3940731B1Wireless switch
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 OMRON CORP
  • EP3940731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3940731B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3940731B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A wireless switch includes a switch body, a push button connected to the switch body in a state of being movable along an approaching/separating direction between a non-operating position and an operating position, a signal output device accommodated in the switch body and configured to output a switch signal in response to a movement of the push button from the non-operating position to the operating position, and a restriction member that restricts the movement of the push button from the non-operating position to the operating position when the push button is located at the non-operating position.