DPDT Tactile Switch With Visual Circuit State Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactile and snap switches lack positive verification of the electrical circuit state, making it difficult to ensure the circuit is open when the switch is not actuated and closed when the switch is actuated.
Innovation Solution
A double pole double throw (DPDT) switch design featuring a housing with input and output conductors, movable contacts, fixed contacts, a bascule element, and a tactile dome, where the actuator's engagement deflects the dome to change contact states, providing clear electrical path transitions between open and closed circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tactile or snap switches are used, then the switch provides tactile feedback and circuit state changes, but the switch lacks positive verification of the electrical circuit state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by connecting LEDs to the circuit paths so that the LEDs light up to indicate the actual circuit state (open or closed). This visual feedback allows users to verify the circuit state independently of the switch's physical position, resolving the contradiction between having tactile feedback and lacking circuit state verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes of LEDs (light emission) to indicate different circuit states. When the circuit is closed, the LED lights up; when open, it remains dark. This visual indication system provides positive verification of the circuit state, addressing the information loss problem while maintaining the simple tactile switch structure.
2Reliability
If a DPDT switch with state verification is implemented, then circuit state verification is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing switch components serve multiple functions. The same movable and fixed contacts that control the circuit also serve as circuit paths for the indicator LEDs. This means the verification function is added without requiring separate verification mechanisms, thus adding reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the verification function within the existing switch structure. The LEDs are integrated into the housing and connected to the existing circuit paths, essentially nesting the verification system within the原有 switch architecture. This allows state verification to be achieved without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switch uses multiple conductors and contacts for DPDT configuration, then the switch provides dual circuit control, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the verification circuit paths with the main circuit paths. The same movable and fixed contacts serve both as control elements for the dual circuits and as indicator paths for the LEDs. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, making manufacturing easier while maintaining dual circuit control capability.
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
Ensures definite verification of circuit states by visually indicating the switch's actuated or non-actuated state through light emission or disconnection, ensuring robust electrical connections and user feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a tactile dome disposed within the internal cavity and extending over the bascule element
Implementation Method 2
a bascule element pivotably mounted within the internal cavity and having a cantilevered portion extending over the first and second free ends of the first and second movable input contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A double pole double throw switch including a housing containing a tactile dome disposed over movable input contacts, and an actuator disposed over the tactile dome and adapted to be engaged by a user. When the actuator is not engaged, the movable input contacts engage fixed open circuit output contacts within the housing, creating a path for electrical current to flow from the movable input contacts to open circuit output conductors extending out of the housing. When the actuator is engaged, the actuator presses on the tactile dome, causing the tactile dome to deflect, which in-turn causes the movable input contacts to move out of engagement with the fixed open circuit output contacts and into engagement with closed circuit output contact terminals within the housing, creating a path for electrical current to flow from the movable input contacts to closed circuit output conductors extending out of the housing.