The influence of rocker-switch dynamics on contact bounce

The rocker switch considered has been investigated under normal hand-operating conditions, using high-speed photography. From this information, a computer-based mathematical model of the dynamics of the switch operation has been developed and verified experimentally. The model has been assembled to accommodate as many variables as possible, thus allowing their effect on the system to be evaluated. The variables are assessed by consideration of their effect on the kinetic energy in the moving contact. A reduction in kinetic energy at impact has been shown in a previous paper (ibid., vol.CHMT-7, no.1, p.125-6, 1984) to result in a reduction in contact bounce, prolonging contact life. Using optimization procedures, two design philosophies, based on the reduction of kinetic energy at impact, are given. The first is applied to al standard switch, the second considers a general optimization, based on the reduction of moving contact inertia, which is identified as a major parameter