Coaxial Switch Shaft Axial Force Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art rotary-type coaxial switches fail to maintain RF connections during mechanical shocks and vibrations, as the shaft displacement causes the switch to reposition to a neutral state, breaking the connection without automatic restoration.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial switch design featuring a housing with a support plate and axial force-producing mechanism that maintains the shaft in an engaged position, combined with a radial force-producing member and a knob for user intervention to manage axial and radial forces, ensuring connectivity during shocks and allowing for easy switching between coaxial cable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary-type coaxial switch is used to transposition coaxial lines, then the switch can be operated to change connections, but the shaft is susceptible to axial displacement during mechanical shocks and vibrations, breaking the RF connection
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the shaft in the opposite direction of shock-induced displacement. This pre-applied force prevents the shaft from moving out of engagement position during mechanical shocks and vibrations, thereby maintaining RF connection stability while preserving the rotary switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and mitigates the impact of mechanical shocks before they can cause harmful axial displacement of the shaft. By positioning the spring to engage with the shaft and apply restoring force, the system is pre-prepared to withstand shock events without breaking the RF connection
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is designed to be movable for switching operations, then the switch can be operated easily, but the shaft becomes vulnerable to displacement during vibration events
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the shaft that opposes vibration-induced displacement. This allows the shaft to remain freely movable for intentional switching operations while simultaneously being protected from harmful accidental displacement during vibration events
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides a dynamic restoring force that adapts to the shaft's position. During normal operation, the shaft can move freely for switching; during vibration, the spring dynamically counteracts displacement forces, allowing the system to transition between operational states while resisting harmful effects
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 effectively minimizes axial displacement of the shaft during shocks, maintaining RF connectivity and allowing for easy switching between coaxial cable connections, enhancing the switch's durability and reliability in vibration-prone environments.
Implementation Method 1
an axial force producing mechanism produces a constant axial force on the shaft that urges the support plate against the inner wall
Implementation Method 2
The radial force producing member exerts a radial force on the shaft when the intermediate section forcibly contacts the radial force producing member within the passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial switch having a housing and a shaft extending through and rotatably mounted to the housing. The shaft extends from opposite ends of the housing. Connector body members are attached to the housing and a support plate is mounted to the shaft. Conductor members are joined to the support plate. Each conductor member has a conductor and is configured to be inserted into a connector body member. The conductors of the conductor members are electrically connected together. When the coaxial switch is engaged, the conductor members are inserted into the connector body members. The coaxial switch becomes disengaged when a force is exerted on the shaft that causes the conductor members to be withdrawn from the connector body members. An axial force-producing mechanism produces a constant axial force on the shaft to maintain the coaxial switch in the engaged state.