Invertible Optical Float Switch Paddle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floatable optical switches are not easily modifiable to switch between normally open and normally closed configurations, requiring costly modifications to reverse the switch indicators, which is inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An invertible float switch design featuring a paddle assembly that can be easily configured during manufacturing to be either normally open or normally closed by simply inverting the paddle, allowing the optical path to be interrupted or completed based on the switch's position, enabling easy conversion between switch states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical switch is designed with a fixed paddle configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the switch cannot be easily modified to change between normally open and normally closed states
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle assembly is designed to be invertible, allowing the entire assembly to be flipped 180 degrees to change the switch configuration. By inverting the paddle, the optical path arrangement changes, transforming the switch from normally open to normally closed state or vice versa. This inversion mechanism provides configuration flexibility without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assembly transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The ability to invert the paddle introduces a degree of freedom that allows the switch configuration to change based on installation orientation, enabling the same physical component to serve multiple functional states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If costly modifications are made to reverse switch indicators, then the switch can change states, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying indicators or components to reverse switch states, the entire paddle assembly is inverted. This approach eliminates the need for costly indicator reversals or component modifications, as the same components maintain their original configuration while the overall assembly orientation changes the functional state.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be installed in two orientations to provide both normally open and normally closed switch configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator reversal processes or additional components, reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability.
3Speed
If the optical path is designed to be easily interrupted or completed, then the switch responds quickly to level changes, but the paddle assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path configuration leverages the paddle inversion mechanism. When the paddle is inverted, the optical path arrangement automatically changes, allowing the light beam to be either interrupted or completed based on the paddle orientation. This approach achieves rapid switch response to level changes without requiring complex additional optical components or adjustment mechanisms.
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 cost-effective and straightforward manufacturing modifications to set the optical switch to either a normally open or normally closed position, enhancing flexibility and reducing production costs while maintaining reliability in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
One of the optical fibers 2 is connected at its proximal end 22 to a light source 3, and the other optical fiber 2 is connected at its proximal end 22 to a light detector 5
Implementation Method 2
movable member 4 which is selectively interposed between distal ends 21 of aligned optical fibers 2
Data Source
AI summary
An invertible optical float switch is provided, comprising a floatable housing having an interior, a central longitudinal axis, a top end and a bottom end; first and second optical fibers each having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the first optical fiber connectable to a light source located remote from the housing, the proximal end of the second optical fiber connectable to a light detector located remote from the housing, the distal ends of the first and optical fibers positioned in the interior of the housing and the distal ends being mounted in the interior on a separator assembly such that the distal ends are optically aligned and separated by a gap; the separator assembly further including a movable member, the movable member adapted to be movable by gravity between a first position where the movable member occupies the gap such that the distal ends are no longer optically aligned, and a second position where the movable member does not occupy the gap; wherein the distal ends and the separator assembly are mounted on a paddle positioned in the interior of the floatable housing, the paddle adapted to be mounted either in position A with the gap closer to the top end of the floatable housing than the bottom end of the floatable housing, or in an inverted position B with the gap closer to the bottom end of the floatable housing than in position A.