Axial Control Switch Oscillating Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial control electrical devices, such as switches, face challenges in reliability, economic efficiency, simplicity of manufacture, and require higher actuation forces, necessitating improvements in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a box-like structure with insulating material housing connection terminals, a rocker arm element, and a pushbutton actuation member kinematically connected through oscillating supports, allowing for efficient oscillation between stable positions with reduced actuation force, featuring a second oscillating support pivoted to the first, which is separated from the axial actuation member, facilitating easier assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pushbutton axial control is used instead of an oscillating key, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional oscillating supports and kinematic connections
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating support system is divided into two independent elements: a first oscillating support that carries the rocker arm element, and a second oscillating support that is pivoted to the first. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining the desired pushbutton axial control operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second oscillating support is nested within the structure of the first oscillating support, with the second being pivoted to the first. This nesting arrangement allows the controls to be separated from the axial actuation member while maintaining a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between improved operation and increased complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the second oscillating support is pivoted to the first oscillating support and separated from the axial actuation member, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating support system is divided into two independently manufacturable elements that can be produced separately and then assembled. The first oscillating support can be manufactured as a complete unit with the rocker arm element, while the second oscillating support is manufactured separately and then pivoted to the first, simplifying the manufacturing process for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The first oscillating support is prepared in advance with the rocker arm element and its mounting features, allowing it to be manufactured and tested independently. The second oscillating support is then added in a subsequent assembly step, pivoted to the first support, which simplifies the overall manufacturing sequence and reduces complexity.
3Reliability
If a rocker arm element with mobile electrical contact is used, then the reliability of electrical contact is improved, but the actuation force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic oscillating supports that allow the rocker arm element to move freely between stable positions during actuation. The first oscillating support carries the rocker arm element and allows it to oscillate, while the second oscillating support transfers the axial pushbutton force efficiently, reducing the overall actuation force required while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The two oscillating supports act as intermediaries between the axial pushbutton actuation and the rocker arm element. The first oscillating support mediates the motion transfer to the rocker arm, while the second oscillating support mediates the force transfer from the pushbutton, reducing the direct force requirement on the electrical contact mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances reliability, reduces actuation force, and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining economic viability, offering a more efficient and user-friendly axial control mechanism for electrical switches.
Implementation Method 1
a second oscillating support which is made to oscillate in one direction and in the other at each actuation of said pushbutton; the second oscillating support is pivoted to said first oscillating support and separated from said axial actuation member
Implementation Method 2
The actuation member is normally an oscillating key which can be moved between two positions corresponding to the two stable positions of the rocker arm
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrical device with axial control, such as switch, double-pole switch, toggle switch, inverter or the like, comprising a box-like containment structure (20) in insulating material, in which are housed: at least two connection terminals (31, 32), at least one fixed electrical contact (35) connected to one (31) of the connection terminals, at least one rocker arm element (36) carrying at least one mobile electrical contact (37) and connected electrically to another (32) of the connection terminals, and an axial actuation member (70) kinematically connected by means of a first oscillating support (50) to said rocker arm element (36), so as to make it oscillate between two predetermined stable positions, wherein on said first oscillating support (50) acts a second oscillating support (60) which is made to oscillate in one direction or in the other at each actuation of said axial actuation member (70).