Micro Switch Mounting Structure for Stable Icemaker Water Fill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic icemakers face variations in water filling due to differences in water supply pipe diameter and pressure, leading to inconsistent ice production, and require precise torque management for secure micro switch mounting, which is challenging and prone to displacement.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure for the micro switch using pins as first fixing members and push nuts as second fixing members, eliminating the need for precise torque management, with a cam mechanism controlling water filling and a resin-based mounting base for improved insulation and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong torque is applied to tighten the first screws for securing the micro switch, then the micro switch is securely fixed, but the plastic case of the micro switch is deformed
Solution Approach 1:
A resin mounting base is introduced as an intermediary component between the micro switch and the driving mechanism. This mounting base absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress from screw tightening, preventing direct transmission of strong torque to the micro switch case. The mounting base deforms elastically under stress rather than the brittle plastic case, thereby securing the micro switch without deforming its shape.
2Reliability
If the micro switch is securely fixed to prevent displacement, then mounting reliability is improved, but precise torque management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resin mounting base serves as a stress-absorbing intermediary that decouples the tightening force from the micro switch. This allows workers to tighten screws with greater force without risking micro switch displacement or case deformation, eliminating the need for precise torque control while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base is designed with specific material properties (resin with appropriate elasticity and strength) that allow it to deform within acceptable parameter ranges during tightening. This parameter-based design enables the system to accommodate a wider range of tightening forces while maintaining reliable fixation.
3Strength
If a metal mounting base is used to provide strength for supporting the second screw and spring, then structural strength is improved, but electrical insulation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base is made of resin material that combines mechanical strength with electrical insulation properties. This composite material approach replaces the traditional metal mounting base that would require additional insulation measures. The resin material inherently provides both structural support for the second screw and spring mechanism, and electrical insulation for the micro switch terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
A micro switch is mounted onto a mounting base attached to a controller of an automatic icemaker. The micro switch generates a signal for controlling the amount of water to be filled in an ice tray. The micro switch is fixed to the mounting base by the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The first fixing member is inserted through a mounting hole formed in a case of the micro switch. The second fixing member is arranged on a surface of the mounting base on an opposite side of a surface mounted with the micro switch, and is fixed to the first fixing member.