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Differences, pros and cons to true leaf switch pushbutton designs

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Xiaou2:

--- Quote ---Now with Gravitar and Asteroids Deluxe, that's different. I do not like the leaf switch action on those games for some reason
--- End quote ---

 Probably the same reasons as we have already covered:

1) Leafs not being floated, and instead, and being pushed too far, to full extension
2) Leafs holders incorrect, and thus the depth of switch is incorrect.

 The age of the button should not be really be a factor.

Xiaou2:
Leaf Mod Idea...

 To help counter Leaf over-bending, and that bottoming-out crash... heres an idea I had came up with some time ago.  Ive yet to build and try it, but it seems sound enough...

 This design uses a stiffer spring mounted under the leafs.  Even if you press the leaf past the float point, the help of the spring underneath should be good enough to provide protection against over-bending... as well as add a nice cushy feel instead of a solid stop crash.  It will store up energy as well, returning it to the rebound.

 Also, sitting on the leaf buttons wider shelf, is a pink line.  This line represents a small rubber washer.  Even if you bash the button to the point where it would hit the shelf... the rubber washer would absorb the forces better, as well as make the buttons quieter.

 This could be a little deeper, and thus a mod to the shell would have to accomodate its extra depth.  Also, the material could be something other than rubber.  Something soft like silicone maybe?  not sure.

 The designs a little off yet, but still it drives home the idea.


(design not to be used without my permission)

RandyT:

--- Quote from: Xiaou2 on March 20, 2011, 03:26:55 pm ---Leaf Mod Idea...

--- End quote ---

Interesting, but ultimately, it's over-engineered.  There's nothing that the extra spring at the bottom could do, other than increase cost and complexity, that can't be incorporated into the button spring/leaf switch design.  The rubber pad, or any other soft material in the button body, will at minimum eventually break down and not do what you want it do, and at worst, jam up the button action when it does.  Something durable enough to do this without breaking down will be harder and while it will quiet down a "bottom out", it won't do much else.

The best solution to the leaf switch issue, IMHO, is one that allows a reasonable throw without being long enough to damage the switch, adjustable tension through a few methods easily performed by the user to suit their tastes, and a simple low-cost approach to doing so.  If you can keep an open mind and ask questions before you jump to conclusions about what is and isn't possible, I'll send you a CLASSX™ button to play with so you'll have a frame of reference as to what is already being done, and then we can discuss further if you'd like. ;).

boardjunkie:
As far as leaf switch button "wobble" or slop goes, there was the snapped together (no e ring) types that were superb. Shorter throw than the e ring style, and the top side of the button (which is what you push down) had 3 molded in "nubs" that kept it centered and slop free. They, to me, are the best of the best...I'm real picky about buttons and leaf switches.

This type:
http://www.diypinball.com/images/DSC_2057.jpg

You can simulate this on e ring buttons by placing 3 small dabs of epoxy midway down the top section of the button top. You may need to file or sand them slightly to get the perfect fit. I've done this, and it works.

Another thing I like to do with regular e ring buttons is put a nylon washer/spacer ahead of the e ring. This shortens the throw and gets them pretty close to operating like my favorite ones.


It looks like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62937081@N00/5545046534/#

The nylon washers are available at home depot and lowes type places.

Xiaou2:

--- Quote ---Interesting, but ultimately, it's over-engineered.  There's nothing that the extra spring at the bottom could do, other than increase cost and complexity, that can't be incorporated into the button spring/leaf switch design.
--- End quote ---


 Yes, it would increase costs.  But Imop, it just might give an advantage over other designs.


--- Quote --- The rubber pad, or any other soft material in the button body, will at minimum eventually break down and not do what you want it do, and at worst, jam up the button action when it does.  Something durable enough to do this without breaking down will be harder and while it will quiet down a "bottom out", it won't do much else.
--- End quote ---

 Well, as said, it could be as simple as a mild rubber washer.  Such a thing in a home environment would probably take like 5yrs to wear out.


--- Quote --- If you can keep an open mind and ask questions before you jump to conclusions about what is and isn't possible, I'll send you a CLASSX™ button to play with so you'll have a frame of reference as to what is already being done, and then we can discuss further if you'd like
--- End quote ---

 I always have had an open mind.   Id love to check out your buttons/products.

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