Actuator mechanism with enhanced tactile characteristics
US4433224A · kind A · utility
4Cited by
10References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1982 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18992
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A push button actuator for an electrical switch device is disclosed which provides high tactile feedback with small button travel. Movement of the push button is resisted by a resilient column extending between the button and a force transfer device which is adapted to laterally engage the column in response to a sufficient force applied to the force transfer device through the column. The lateral engagement initiates buckling of the column which sharply reduces its load bearing capacity and causes the push button to snap to its depressed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.