Linear Slide Switch Speed Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed-control switches for electrical appliances require a large force to switch between speeds and often experience unstable contact, leading to increased resistance and heat generation, making them unsuitable for high-power applications.

Innovation Solution

A speed-control switch design featuring a push rod with a central opening, a push button panel that translates relative to the top plate, and a speed selection assembly with protrusions and grooves that allow for smooth sliding and reduced resistance, enabling efficient speed switching with minimal force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional push button switch design is used, then speed selection functionality is achieved, but a relatively large force is required to push the button due to high internal resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce required to switch speedVSAvoidinternal resistance of switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring-loaded push rod mechanism that dynamically adjusts the contact pressure. The spring provides continuous elastic force to maintain reliable electrical contact while allowing the push rod to move smoothly between speed positions, reducing the operational force required by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switch is divided into multiple independent speed selection positions with discrete contact points. Each speed position has its own set of contact terminals, allowing the push rod to engage with specific contacts for different speed levels, thereby reducing the overall resistance encountered during switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional push button switches are used for long periods, then speed control functionality is maintained, but unstable contact occurs between conductive rod and connection terminal leading to increased contact resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidcontact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded mechanism provides continuous elastic pressure on the conductive rod, maintaining firm contact with the connection terminals before wear occurs. This pre-cushioning effect compensates for wear and dimensional variations over time, ensuring stable electrical contact throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a combination of conductive materials with different properties - the conductive rod is made of high-conductivity material while the connection terminals use materials with good mechanical strength and contact stability. This composite material approach ensures both low contact resistance and long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Power

If conventional switches are used, then basic speed selection is achieved, but excessive heat and arc are generated making the switch unsuitable for high-power applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidheat and arc generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from mechanical contact-based switching to a control system that uses minimal mechanical action. The push rod activates a control mechanism that electronically manages power distribution, reducing mechanical wear and the harmful effects of arcing and heat generation associated with high-power mechanical switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded push rod acts as an intermediary that transfers minimal mechanical force to activate the speed selection mechanism. This intermediary approach allows high-power control with minimal direct mechanical contact between high-current components, thereby reducing arc and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11309147B2Linear slide switch used for speed-control

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments relate to a socket. A speed-control switch, including: a housing including a top plate provided with a central opening extending in a length direction; a push rod at least partially contained in the housing, and a first end of the push rod protruding out of the housing from the central opening and capable of sliding in the central opening; a plurality of connection terminals provided in pairs in the housing and configured to: selectively engage with a second end of the push rod opposite to the first end to limit a plurality of speed indications of the speed-control switch; and a speed selection assembly with a part thereof set on the top plate and configured to allow a selection for a plurality of speed indications of the speed-control switch as the push rod slides in the central opening. The speed-control switch achieve speed switching with a small force. The speed-control switch is suitable for high-power electrical appliances, requires a small number of components, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time and assembly difficulty.