The multi-function switch is a switch developed by using mechanical, electronic and light touch switches to share the bottom frame and bottom box components, which greatly saves the cost of mold development. In addition, this switch is a gateway that can be used independently after disassembly. Because of the multi-purpose function, the touch switch is the first to appear in the market in mass production mode and is sought after by many customers.

The biggest challenge in this project is how to make the three switches share the same components and can be used independently as a gateway?

ROLE: Product Design (Outward, Structure, Material), Analysis different brands switches and Communicate with 3D Modelling Engineer.

CLIENT: Yoswit

YEAR: 2019-2020

KEYWORDS: Product Design, Socket 86 Lighting Switches, Smart Home, Mechanical, Electronic, Touch, Multiple, Compatible

01 Understand
Understand the requirements, function, and purpose of the mechanical, touch, and electronic light switch. Research and analysis different brands of mechanical switches.

02 Ideate
Try to think of ideas how the 3 types of switches can share some components. Design the outlook and the detail structures.

03 Decide
Decided to use a mechanical toggle on the electronic switch to achieve a better-pressing function. Then, make the detailed description and visual design to the 3D modeling engineer. Keep communicating with him.

04 Prototype
Make the designed 3d model into a plastic mold prototype.

05 Test & Adjust
Test whether the connection pressure of the three switches is normal, whether the installation and disassembly are smooth, and whether the buckles are appropriate.

06 Deliver
The touch switch is the first to be put into production and use.

In the design analysis, it is found that Panasonic’s switch design is the most comprehensive. The part of the led light is cleverly thinned on the cover to achieve a light-transmitting effect, unlike other brands of switches that require a surface to be exposed light-transmitting parts. In addition, its mechanical bottom box design is very compact, which reduces the cost of mold opening.

The mechanical switch has 1 to 3 gang. It switch can be tilted on one side and only one side rebounds or the mechanical part is equipped with a slingshot, it can rebound up and down.

Touch switch also have 1 to 3 gang, as well as curtain and roller switch. Because different types of switches have to be taken into consideration, different gang of the bottom case plate are made by punching holes, and they are punched only when needed. The 1 gang switch will have an infrared lamp bead on the upper right.

Electronic switches have 1 to 3 gang, and curtain and roller switch are also available. It will reuse the mechanical switch structure, but the slingshot is not installed on the accessory of the mechanical switch and the slingshot pole is used to hit the switch of the circuit board. The 1 gang switch will have an infrared lamp bead on the upper right. There will be LED lights in the silk screen position.

In the design analysis, it is found that Panasonic’s switch design is the most comprehensive. The part of the led light is cleverly thinned on the cover to achieve a light-transmitting effect, unlike other brands of switches that require a surface to be exposed light-transmitting parts. In addition, its mechanical bottom box design is very compact, which reduces the cost of mold opening.