Micro Switch Sealing Sleeve Structure for Dustproof Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commonly used micro switches lack dustproof functionality, leading to electrical short circuits, non-conduction, and safety risks, especially in high-voltage DC applications, and have high manufacturing costs due to complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A dustproof micro switch design featuring a base body, upper cover, and button with a sealing sleeve, movable contact arm assembly, and terminal assembly, which forms a compact and cost-effective structure with improved dustproof performance, suitable for electric tools and garden tools, conforming to Chinese safety standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing ring is added around the internal button to achieve dust prevention, then dustproof performance is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedustproof performanceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the button structure by designing the button with an integrated sealing ring that forms a sealing cavity with the button shaft and button head. This merging of the sealing function into the existing button component eliminates the need for separate sealing rings and complex assembly processes, thereby improving dustproof performance while reducing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the switching function while simultaneously creating the sealing cavity that prevents dust ingress. The button shaft and button head together form both the operational mechanism and the sealing barrier, making the button a multi-functional component that addresses both switching and dustproofing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a sealing ring is added around the internal button to achieve dust prevention, then dustproof performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedustproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged into the button component itself through the integrated sealing ring design. This eliminates the need for separate sealing ring parts and their associated manufacturing and assembly costs, thereby improving dustproof performance while reducing overall manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button structure itself provides the sealing function through its own geometric features (button shaft and button head forming the sealing cavity). The button serves its primary switching function while simultaneously providing dust prevention, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sealing components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the micro switch is used in high-voltage DC apparatus over 42 V, then application versatility is improved, but electric arc generation increases causing contact adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidelectric arc
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the arc generation problem from the switching operation by introducing a magnetic field that redirects the arc away from the contact surfaces. The magnetic field generated by the magnet causes the arc to be drawn along the magnetic field lines, preventing direct contact between the arc and the silver contacts, thereby enabling high-voltage DC applications without contact adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the high-voltage switching operation and the contact surfaces. By generating a magnetic field, the magnet creates an intermediate arc path that prevents direct arc-to-contact interaction, enabling safe high-voltage DC operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The design enhances dustproof performance, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures compliance with safety standards by using a sealing sleeve for close fitment and snap-fitting mechanisms, preventing dust and liquid ingress, thus ensuring reliable operation in high-voltage and high-current applications.

Implementation Method 1

the end, extending out of the box body, of the button is provided with a sealing sleeve... preventing dust and liquid ingress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

snap-fitting mechanisms, preventing dust and liquid ingress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11749472B1Dustproof micro switch
Publication Date: 2023.09.05 ZHEJIANG JIABEN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11749472B1 patent drawing
  • US11749472B1 patent drawing
  • US11749472B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dustproof micro switch is provided by the present disclosure, comprising a base body, an upper cover, and a button, wherein the base body and the upper cover form a box body; the upper cover is provided with a first half of through hole for the button, the base body is provided with a second half of through hole for the button, and the first half of through hole for the button and the second half of through hole for the button form a through hole for the button; one end of the button is arranged in the box body, and the other end of the button extends out of the box body through the through hole for the button; the end, extending out of the box body, of the button is provided with a sealing sleeve, and the movable contact arm support is arranged on the base body.