Modular Hoist Control Switch With Detachable Shift Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control switches for hoists and cranes are not economically versatile and easily repairable, limiting their application and maintenance in different scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A modular control switch design featuring a detachable shift gate and contactless sensor system, allowing for various configurations and easy replacement, enabling one-finger operation and efficient movement control of hoists or cranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control switches are designed as integrated units for different applications, then manufacturing versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control switch is divided into separate functional modules: a base element and a detachable switching mechanism. The switching mechanism can be exchanged between different base elements, allowing the same base element to support multiple applications by simply changing the switching mechanism module.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different switching mechanisms for various applications. This universal design allows one base element to serve multiple functions by interfacing with different switching mechanism modules, reducing the need to manufacture entirely different control switches for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control switches are designed as integrated units for different applications, then application coverage is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control switch into a reusable base element and application-specific switching mechanisms, the production cost is reduced. The base element can be manufactured once and reused across multiple applications, while only the switching mechanisms need to be produced in different variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element serves as a master template that can be copied and reused for different applications. Instead of manufacturing entirely new control switches for each application, the proven base element design is replicated and combined with different switching mechanisms to create application-specific variants.
3Reliability
If control switches use contact-based sensor systems, then detection reliability is improved, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical sensor systems with contactless sensor systems. This eliminates physical contact between sensing components, preventing wear and tear on contacts while maintaining reliable detection of control lever position and movement.
4Device complexity
If control switches are designed as non-modular units, then structural simplicity is improved, but repairability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control switch is segmented into modular components: a base element and a detachable switching mechanism. This modular design maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving repairability, as the switching mechanism can be easily detached and replaced without affecting the base element.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded when worn or damaged, while the valuable base element is recovered and reused. This approach simplifies repair by allowing direct replacement of the faulty module rather than requiring repair of the entire control switch.
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 solution allows for cost-effective production and easy maintenance of control switches, supporting diverse applications with enhanced usability and reliability through modular design and reduced wear components.
Implementation Method 1
the device has a sensor system for detecting the pivoting movement, preferably a pivoting direction and/or a pivoting angle, of the control lever, wherein the sensor system is designed to detect the pivoting movement without contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control switch (107) for the operation, preferably single-hand operation, of a hoist or crane (100), comprising a device for manual actuation, preferably single-finger actuation, comprising a base element , preferably designed as a housing (7), and a control lever (4) which can pivot relative to the base element, and which can be pivoted from an un-pivoted base position into an actuation position that is pivoted in relation to the base position via a pivot movement triggered by a manual actuation, preferably single-finger actuation, in order to thereby bring about a predefined movement of the hoist or crane (100). In order to provide an improved control switch (107), which can be manufactured in different variants more economically and can be particularly easily repaired in the event of wear, it is proposed that a shifting gate (6) influences the pivot movement of the control lever (4) due to its shape and the shifting gate (6) is detachably connected to the base element.