Integrated Multi-Switch Device for Cooking Appliance Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances require multiple electric switches to implement multi-switching functions, leading to increased complexity, volume, and manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple wires and a stacked switch structure.
Innovation Solution
A single switch device with a housing accommodating both the first and second switches and an actuator, where the first switch controls the burner ignition circuit and the second switch controls the indicator lamp, allowing both functions to be managed through a single rotational axis, reducing the need for multiple switches and wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric switches are used to implement multi-switching functions, then the switching capability for various circuits is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electric switches into a single integrated switch device. The housing contains multiple contact blade assemblies that can be actuated by a single rotor, allowing multiple circuits to be controlled through one unified structure rather than separate switch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch device is designed to perform multiple switching functions simultaneously. The rotor can actuate different contact blade assemblies to control various circuits (such as indicator lights and burners) through a single operational interface, making the device universal for multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric switches are installed, then the multi-switching function is achieved, but the number of wires and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch functions are merged into a single housing unit, reducing the total number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation decreases manufacturing complexity and associated costs while maintaining the multi-switching capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stacked switch structure is used, then multiple switching functions are achieved, but the appliance volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch assemblies are merged into a single compact housing rather than being stacked as separate units. This integration allows the switch device to occupy less space within the appliance while providing multiple switching functions through the shared housing and actuator mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device and a cooking device having a switch device. The switch device may include a first switch (120) configured to be opened or closed based on contact or non-contact between the first blade (121) and the second blade (123); a second switch (130) configured to be opened and closed based on contact or non-contact between the third blade (131) and the fourth blade (133); a housing (110) that accommodates the first switch (120) and the second switch (130) therein; and an actuator (140) disposed in the housing (110) and actuated to selectively open and close the first switch (120) and the second switch (130). The first switch (120) and the second switch (130) may be fixedly supported by a support structure disposed on a same plane as a mounting plane for the actuator and may be positioned in a single inner space.