Force-Distance Controlled Mechanical Switch for High-Frequency Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency signal switches are large and can negatively influence the signals they are intended to switch, necessitating a solution that allows for controlled switching with a small physical footprint without signal interference.
Innovation Solution
A switch design utilizing a first elastic element and an actuator-element, where the actuator-element moves between positions to move the switching conductor between defined positions with a low, controllable contact force, utilizing a diaphragm spring for a small footprint and potentially a bi-stable magnetic or piezo-electric actuator for precise control, allowing for secure switching without crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional switches are used for high frequency signals, then switching function is achieved, but the physical size is large and signal quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical switch structures with a membrane switch mechanism that uses elastic deformation and magnetic actuation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing the physical footprint while maintaining switching functionality for high frequency signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a membrane structure as the switching element, which is a thin, flexible component that can be actuated by magnetic forces. This membrane design significantly reduces the physical size of the switch compared to conventional rigid mechanical switches, while the flexible nature allows for precise control of contact force to maintain signal quality.
2Reliability
If high contact force is used for secure switching, then contact reliability is improved, but signal interference and crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of contact force from high to low by using the elastic properties of the membrane and controlled magnetic actuation. This parameter change allows the switching conductor to make sufficient contact for reliable switching while maintaining low contact force that prevents signal interference and crosstalk, thus resolving the contradiction between contact reliability and signal quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise control of switching conductor position is achieved, then switching accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a magnetic actuation system that controls the membrane's deformation. This substitution achieves precise control of the switching conductor position through magnetic field control, which is inherently more controllable and less mechanically complex than traditional mechanical positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure itself provides the positioning and force control functionality through its elastic properties. The membrane's inherent elasticity allows it to return to its original position and provides natural force limiting, eliminating the need for additional complex control mechanisms to achieve precise switching accuracy.
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
Enables precise, low-force switching of high-frequency signals with a small physical footprint, preventing signal interference and crosstalk between paths, while maintaining accuracy and security of contact.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic element is configured to convert a movement of the first side of the first elastic element by the predefined actuator-element lift into the movement of the second side of the first elastic element with a predefined elastic force
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is a bi-stable magnetic actuator. A first stable state of the bi-stable magnetic actuator is in the first actuator-element position of the actuator-element. A second stable state of the bi-stable magnetic actuator is in the second actuator-element position of the actuator-element
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is a piezo-electric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A switch comprises a first elastic element, an actuator-element mechanically coupled to a first side of the first elastic element, and a first switching conductor, mechanically coupled to a second side of the first elastic element. The switching conductor is configured for moving between a first conductor position and a second conductor position. The actuator-element is configured from moving between a first actuator-element position and a second actuator-element position separated by a predefined actuator-element lift, thereby moving the first side of the first elastic element. The first elastic element moreover is configured for converting a movement of the first side of the first elastic element by the predefined actuator-element lift into the movement of the second side of the first elastic element with a predefined elastic force.