Micro-Switch Support Assembly for Rotary Shaft Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotative micro-switches in switching devices face damage due to high driving forces from sudden and rapid electrical maneuvers, which existing support assemblies fail to adequately address without increasing complexity or cost.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising bracket-support-means and coupling-protrusion-means that connect to a rotary operating shaft, allowing rotation around a axis while preventing transverse movement, thereby absorbing normal forces and preventing damage from high driving forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotative micro-switch is used instead of a linear micro-switch, then the micro-switch can be adapted to future switching device configurations, but the rotary shaft is subjected to high driving forces and severe stress that may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary between the driving mechanism and the rotary shaft. It includes a support bracket that provides a stable mounting point and a coupling mechanism (such as a coupling protrusion or bearing) that mediates the force transmission, allowing the shaft to rotate while supporting the high driving forces without direct stress on the shaft itself
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed beforehand to cushion and absorb the high driving forces before they reach the rotary shaft. The bracket-support-means and coupling-protrusion-means are pre-configured to handle extreme forces, preventing damage to the shaft during sudden and rapid closing/opening electrical maneuvers
2Reliability
If the coupling-protrusion-means and bracket-support-means are configured to enable rotation while preventing transverse movement, then the rotary shaft is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the bracket-support-means for mounting to the frame, the coupling-protrusion-means for connecting to the shaft, and the rotational enablement features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall design manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the rotary shaft, enables rotational movement, prevents transverse movement, and absorbs high driving forces. By integrating these functions into a single assembly rather than separate components, the overall device complexity is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A support-assembly suitable for a micro-switch of a switching device, including bracket-support-means suitable for being connected, in a stationary position, to a frame portion of the switching-device, coupling-protrusion-component shaped for being provided at an end of an operating-shaft of the micro-switch and for movably engaging with the bracket-support-component. The coupling-protrusion-component and the bracket-support-component being configured for enabling a rotation of the operating-shaft around a rotation-axis and for preventing a movement of the operating-shaft transversely to the rotation-axis.