Bistable Electric Switch for Uniform Haptic Remote Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switches lack uniform haptic feedback for both on and off switching positions and cannot be effectively controlled remotely in both directions, limiting their integration into IoT systems.
Innovation Solution
A bistable electromechanical actuator with an e-shaped magnetic circuit and a pivoting control lever, coupled with a contact spring, allows for manual and remote switching with the same force and haptic feedback, using a transmission mechanism to interact with the actuating element and moving contact, enabling bidirectional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a controllable actuator is used to move the rocker, then remote switching is enabled, but uniform haptic feedback for both switching positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic actuator with a piezoelectric actuator that converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement. This substitution enables bidirectional movement with precise control, allowing the rocker to return to its original position after being actuated, thereby providing uniform haptic feedback for both switching positions while maintaining remote switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the voltage-dependent displacement characteristic of piezoelectric materials to achieve bidirectional control. By applying positive or negative voltages, the piezoelectric actuator can move the rocker in either direction with comparable force, ensuring that both switching operations (on and off) provide identical haptic feedback to the user.
2Extent of automation
If a traditional electromagnetic actuator is used, then remote control is possible, but bidirectional switching control is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic actuator with a piezoelectric actuator that converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement. This substitution enables bidirectional movement with precise control, allowing the rocker to return to its original position after being actuated, thereby providing uniform haptic feedback for both switching positions while maintaining remote switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the voltage-dependent displacement characteristic of piezoelectric materials to achieve bidirectional control. By applying positive or negative voltages, the piezoelectric actuator can move the rocker in either direction with comparable force, ensuring that both switching operations (on and off) provide identical haptic feedback to the user.
3Device complexity
If the actuating element is directly connected to the moving contact, then the structure is simple, but the switching force and haptic differ between on and off positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the piezoelectric actuator and the moving contact. This transmission mechanism includes a lever system with a fulcrum that amplifies the actuator's displacement and ensures that both actuation directions (on and off) require comparable switching forces, thereby providing uniform haptic feedback while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the switch is miniaturized, then the device size is reduced, but the switching force and haptic may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic actuator with a piezoelectric actuator that converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement. This substitution enables bidirectional movement with precise control, allowing the rocker to return to its original position after being actuated, thereby providing uniform haptic feedback for both switching positions while maintaining remote switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic transmission mechanism with a lever system that can be optimized for different size requirements. By adjusting the lever arm ratios, the system can maintain adequate switching force even in miniaturized configurations, as the mechanical advantage compensates for the reduced actuator displacement available in smaller devices.
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
Enables precise, miniaturized switches with consistent haptic feedback for both switching directions, supporting integration into IoT systems and ensuring clear recognition of switching states through equivalent movement behavior during manual and remote operations.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator which converts electrical energy into mechanical movement for actuating the actuating element in both switching positions
Implementation Method 2
The permanent magnet generates a permanent magnetic flux and thus provides a self-retaining switching position of the control lever
Implementation Method 3
An electromagnetic flux can be generated by energising the excitation windings. The excitation windings are wound in such a way that an electromagnetic flux is generated during this energisation, which is oriented in the opposite direction to the permanent magnetic flux
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric switch that serves to switch on and/or off electric devices and for this purpose has a contact system in the switch housing. By means of a manual actuating element or a remotely controlled actuator, a switching operation can be effected.