Electric Switch Spherical Intermediate Part Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switches with complex locking mechanisms require multiple parts, increasing manufacturing and assembly costs and friction, which can lead to delayed contact opening and increased wear during current limitation.
Innovation Solution
A switch design utilizing spherical intermediate parts that are resiliently clamped, reducing the number of components and allowing for low-friction movement, with a spring mechanism to maintain locking positions and control pivoting speed, enabling efficient current limitation and reduced contact burning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms with multiple parts are used, then the locking position can be maintained, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pressure element, roller, rotation bearings) into a single integrated spherical intermediate part. This spherical body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pressure element, the roller, and the rotation bearing, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the locking mechanism's reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical intermediate part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides pressure application, rolling motion, and rotational bearing capabilities. This universal design allows one component to replace several specialized parts, simplifying the overall structure without compromising functionality
2Reliability
If multiple components with rotation bearings are used, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure element, roller, and rotation bearing into a single spherical intermediate part, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required. This integration significantly lowers both manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining full locking mechanism functionality
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional intermediate parts with multiple components are used, then the locking position is stable, but friction increases and contact opening is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical intermediate part instead of conventional geometric shapes. The spherical geometry enables rolling motion with minimal friction, allowing the contact arm to pivot rapidly between locked and unlocked positions. This curvature-based design maintains locking stability while dramatically improving switching speed and reducing contact opening delay
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 simplified design with spherical intermediate parts reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes friction, and allows for rapid contact opening with minimal trip forces, effectively limiting currents and preventing contact burning.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate part is a spherical body which, in the predefined locking position is held in a resiliently clamped manner
Implementation Method 2
a spring mechanism to maintain locking positions and control pivoting speed
Implementation Method 3
the intermediate part is a spherical body... due to the spherical shape of the intermediate part, it is possible to rotate the contact arm with very little friction
Data Source
AI summary
An electric switch is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the switch includes a rotor housing; at least one electric contact arm, rotatably mounted in the rotor housing and being pivotable between an on-position and an off-position as well as relative to the rotor housing; and at least one intermediate part which, in a locking position, locks the pivotable contact arm with the rotor housing and, in the event of a relative rotation between the pivotable contact arm and the rotor housing, is moved away from the predefined locking position.