Disc-Based Double Throw Switch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary double throw switches require complex linkage apparatuses and multiple components, making them expensive, difficult to maintain, and inefficient in terms of space usage and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A disc-based switching mechanism that uses a single actuator to operate a double throw switch, eliminating the need for complex linkages and reducing the number of components, allowing for efficient switching between two electrical sources or loads with a single handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate single throw switches with complex linkage apparatuses are used to achieve a double throw switch function, then the switching functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate single-throw switch mechanisms into a single integrated double-throw switch. The common actuator serves both switching functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate linkage apparatuses. The first and second switch mechanisms share common components including the actuator, housing, and mounting structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The common actuator performs multiple functions: it operates both the first switch mechanism and the second switch mechanism, and it provides indicator functions for both positions. The single actuator is universally connected to both switching mechanisms through the housing, allowing one component to control multiple switching operations that would traditionally require separate actuators and linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate single throw switches with multiple components are used, then the switching function is achieved, but the manufacturing and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate switch assemblies into a single manufactured unit. The housing is formed as a single piece or integrated structure that contains both switching mechanisms. The actuator is manufactured as one component that interfaces with both switch mechanisms, eliminating the need to produce and assemble separate linkage apparatuses for each switch, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The common actuator serves dual switching functions and dual indicator functions, replacing what would traditionally require two separate actuators and their associated linkages. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count, simplifying the bill of materials and reducing assembly operations during manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If complex linkage apparatuses are used to connect actuators to switches, then the switching operation is achieved, but the maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex linkage apparatuses that would traditionally connect separate actuators to each switch mechanism. By integrating the actuator connections directly into the housing structure, the patent removes the intermediate linkage components that are prone to wear, misalignment, and failure, thereby simplifying maintenance while preserving full switching operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuator connection paths for both switch mechanisms into a single integrated structure through the housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate linkage assemblies that would require individual maintenance, reducing the overall maintenance scope and difficulty while maintaining ease of operation for both switching functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and linkages are used in the switch mechanism, then the switching functionality is achieved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the first and second switch mechanisms within a common housing structure. The switch mechanisms are positioned one within or alongside the other in the same housing space, rather than requiring separate housings for each mechanism. The actuator and its connections are nested within the same housing volume, efficiently utilizing the available space and reducing the overall volume requirement compared to separate switch assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate switch assemblies into a single compact unit housed in one housing. The first and second switching mechanisms share the same housing volume, and the common actuator serves both mechanisms within this shared space. This consolidation eliminates the need for duplicate housings, mounting structures, and linkage apparatuses, thereby significantly reducing the total space requirement while maintaining full switching functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching mechanism includes an actuator rotatable between an off position and an on position; and a timing disc assembly that includes an actuator disc, a bias disc, and a switch disc arranged in a stack. The actuator disc is rotatably connected to the actuator. The bias disc is connected to at least one biasing mechanism. The switch disc is connected to a switch. The actuator disc is configured to engage the bias disc such that the actuator disc is configured to rotate the bias disc to an overcenter position of the at least one biasing mechanism. The overcenter position of the at least one biasing mechanism is configured to rotate the bias disc such that engagement between the bias disc and the switch disc is configured to rotate the switch disc between a closed position and an open position of the switch.