Electric Switch L-Shaped Leaf Spring Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical switches, such as microswitches and snap switches, face challenges in assembly complexity, high costs due to numerous individual parts, and oversizing for signal current applications, with tension springs being difficult to assemble automatically.
Innovation Solution
A simplified contact system using an L-shaped leaf spring with integrated wiper, where the leaf spring serves as both the elastic element and switching contact, reducing the number of parts and enabling easy assembly, with a housing produced via injection molding and enhanced sealing for robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tension spring is used for resetting the switch, then the switching function is achieved, but the assembly becomes difficult and complex for automatic assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elastic element and switching contact into a single integrated component. The elastic element itself forms the switching contact, eliminating the need for separate tension springs and contact components. This integration dramatically simplifies the contact system structure and enables automatic assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the resetting force, forms the switching contact, and enables the switching action. This multi-functionality reduces the number of individual parts needed in the contact system while maintaining full switching capability.
2Reliability
If the contact system consists of many individual parts, then the switching function is achieved, but the assembly complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single elastic element that performs resetting, contact formation, and switching operations. This consolidation reduces the number of individual parts while maintaining reliable switching function through the integrated design.
3Reliability
If a conventional snap switch design is used, then the switching behavior is reliable, but the switch is oversized for signal current applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastic element (dimensions, material properties, geometric configuration) to optimize the switch for signal current applications. By adjusting these parameters, the switch achieves reliable snap-action switching behavior in a compact size suitable for signal rather than power applications.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective switch with improved assembly efficiency, noiseless actuation, consistent contact force, and enhanced reliability, suitable for signal voltage applications with reduced material usage and lower production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element interacts with the switching contact and/or the actuating member for resetting
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric switch (1), particularly of the type of a micro and/or snap-action switch, having a contact system (3) comprising a displaceable switch contact and at least one fixed contact (5). The switch (1) further has a displaceable actuating element (7) for switching the contact system (3). An elastic element (8) cooperates with the switch contact and/or the actuating element (7) for the reset. The switch contact is configured as a sliding contact, and the fixed contact (5) is configured as a contact surface such that the sliding contact cooperates with the contact surface (5) during switching, particularly in that the sliding contact is displaced onto the contact surface (5), and/or away from the contact surface (5). The elastic element (8) is configured as a leaf spring coupled to the sliding contact.