Emergency Stop Device Locking System PCB Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency stop devices in electric machines face safety issues due to potential failures in the fixation of printed circuit boards, which are not visible to users and can lead to incorrect operation, as they deteriorate from vibrations or improper installation.
Innovation Solution
An emergency stop device with a locking system that securely couples the electric module to the actuating module, allowing for reversible separation without damage, featuring a ring-based bayonet mechanism, elastic tongues, or toothed surfaces for secure mechanical connection, ensuring the electric module remains operational even if the printed circuit board fixation fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printed circuit board is fixed on the rear face of the panel, then the electric circuit can be arranged and connected, but the fixation may deteriorate due to vibrations or incorrect implementation, leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modules: the printed circuit board assembly and the actuating device assembly. This segmentation allows the PCB to be securely fixed to the panel independently, while the actuating device can be coupled to the PCB through a reversible mechanical connection. The locking system further segments the actuating device into components that can be locked in place, preventing vibration-induced displacement while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board is pre-fixed to the panel before coupling the actuating device. This preliminary fixation ensures that the electrical connections are established and secured beforehand, so that subsequent vibration or handling does not compromise the electrical assembly. The locking system is then engaged to pre-secure the actuating device in its operational position.
2Reliability
If the electric module and actuating module are mechanically coupled, then the emergency stop function can be achieved, but the fixation may not be visible to users, making it impossible to detect potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
A locking system acts as an intermediary between the electric module and actuating module. This locking mechanism provides a visible and detectable indication that the modules are properly coupled. The locking system may include visual indicators or accessible locking elements that allow users to verify the connection status without disassembling the device, thus solving the visibility problem while maintaining secure mechanical coupling.
3Volume of moving object
If the printed circuit board is arranged parallel to the panel to minimize machine size, then the distance between faces is reduced, but the fixation system becomes more vulnerable to vibration and improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into separately fixable modules (PCB assembly and actuating device assembly), the compact parallel arrangement can be maintained while each module has its own dedicated fixation system. The PCB is fixed directly to the panel with visible, accessible fastening elements, while the actuating device couples to the PCB through a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows robust fixation without increasing the overall machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is preliminarily fixed to the panel in its compact parallel position before the actuating device is coupled. This preliminary fixation stabilizes the electrical assembly in the space-constrained configuration, ensuring that the vibration-resistant fixation is established before additional components are added. The locking system is then engaged to complete the assembly in this compact arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an emergency stop device, comprising:an electric module suited to being soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising a body, at least two fixed contacts arranged in the body and at least one contact actuator bearing a moveable contact able to connect said fixed contacts electrically,an actuating module suited to being mechanically coupled to the electric module and to being mounted on a panel (P),the actuating module comprising a body and an actuator moveable with respect to the body, the body comprising a so-called rear part able to extend through the panel (P) on a side opposite to the actuator and to receive the electric module,the actuating module being able to be actuated by an operator between the following positions:a rest position in which the moveable contact ensures an electrical connection between the fixed contacts, andan activated position in which the actuator exerts a depression force on the contact actuator so as to break the electrical connection between the fixed contacts.Said device comprises a locking system configured to secure in a reversible manner the mechanical coupling of the electric module to the actuating module.