Control Signaling Insert With Elastic Force Limiting for Microswitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control and signaling devices, such as those in the RMQ-Titan@ series, are limited in their ability to combine operating elements with microswitches due to pre-specified switching paths and force ranges, making it difficult to use microswitches as contact elements.
Innovation Solution
A control and signaling device with a multipartite insert element and an elastic element, such as a helical compression spring or leaf spring, that allows for the bridging of switching paths and limits the pressure force on the contact element to a pre-specified range, enabling the use of microswitches with different switching paths and contact pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional contact element with pre-specified switching path is used, then the switching path length is sufficient, but the pressure force on the contact element is too high for microswitches
Solution Approach 1:
An insert element is introduced as an intermediary component between the operating element and the contact element. This insert element includes a force-limiting mechanism that mediates the force transmission, reducing the pressure force on the contact element to a level suitable for microswitches while still enabling reliable actuation. The insert element acts as a buffer that adapts the force characteristics from the operating element to match the requirements of the microswitch contact element.
Solution Approach 2:
The force characteristics are changed by introducing an insert element that modifies the force transmission parameters. The insert element alters the pressure force magnitude and distribution, transforming it from a high-force conventional contact element interface to a low-force microswitch-compatible interface. This parameter change enables the same operating element to work with different contact element types having different force requirements.
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
This solution allows for the flexible use of control and signaling devices with various contact elements, including microswitches, by adjusting the switching path and pressure force, thereby expanding the compatibility and functionality of these devices.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element which elastically supports a portion, provided for operating the contact element, of the insert element in such a way that a pressure force of the insert element onto the contact element is limited to a pre-specified force range
Data Source
AI summary
A control and signaling device includes a cylindrical main body with two open ends, an operating element, which is designed for insertion into one of the open ends of the main body and has a switching part that is movable relative to the main body. The device also has a multipartite insert element, which is designed for insertion into the main body for bridging at least one portion of a switching path from the switching part to a contact element arranged at another of the open ends, and has an elastic element, which elastically supports a portion, provided for operating the contact element, of the insert element in such a way that a pressure force of the insert element onto the contact element is limited to a prespecified force range.