Explosion-Proof Switch Sealing for Assembly Clearance Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion-proof electrical devices suffer from poor sealing performance due to assembly clearances in button switches, allowing rainwater and flammable/explosive fluids to enter, leading to short circuits or explosions.
Innovation Solution
An explosion-proof switch design featuring first and second sealing elements that seal the assembly clearances between the switch element and protective shell, and the lead cable and shell, respectively, enhancing the device's sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button switch with independent components (switch element, button, lead cable) is used, then the switch functionality is achieved, but assembly clearances are created between components and the shell, resulting in poor sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the switch element, button, and lead cable into a unified assembly structure where the switch element is fixed on the button, and both are collectively installed into the shell through a single opening. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate clearances between individual components and the shell, thereby improving sealing performance while maintaining switch functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If assembly clearances are present between the lead cable and the inner wall of the shell, then the lead cable can be installed and connected, but rainwater and flammable/explosive fluids can enter through these clearances, causing short circuits or explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealing ring (flexible film element) that is installed around the lead cable at the shell opening. This sealing ring creates a flexible seal that accommodates the lead cable installation while preventing rainwater and flammable/explosive fluids from entering through the clearance between the lead cable and the shell inner wall, thus eliminating the harmful fluid intrusion pathway.
3Ease of operation
If assembly clearances exist between the switch element and the inner wall of the shell, then the switch element can be positioned and connected, but sealing performance deteriorates, allowing fluid entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing ring as an intermediary element between the switch element assembly and the shell inner wall. This sealing ring mediates the connection by providing a sealing interface that allows the switch element to be properly positioned and connected while simultaneously preventing fluid entry, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of positioning and sealing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an explosion-proof switch and an explosion-proof electrical device. A first sealing element is in seal contact with a switch element and an inner wall of a first receiving cavity, a lead cable has an end connected to the switch element and an end penetrating through a cable hole and stretching out of a first protective shell, and a second sealing element is arranged in the cable hole and in seal contact with an inner wall of the cable hole and the lead cable. An assembly clearance between the switch element and the first protective shell and an assembly clearance between the lead cable and the first protective shell are sealed to improve the sealing performance of the explosion-proof switch, thus avoiding a short circuit or an explosion.