Modular Safety Switch Auxiliary Module with Rotatable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switches for industrial machines and plants are costly due to the need for multiple components and specific designs for different modules, and they are not adaptable to various opening types without external fixing means, making them unsuitable for simpler installations and increasing production and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure for safety switches with a compact, monolithic casing that houses switching and driving means, featuring an auxiliary module with a hollow box body for interchangeable controls and electronic operation, allowing flexible assembly and anchoring without external brackets, and accommodating hinged or sliding openings with adjustable orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specific designs are used for different control modules, then each module can perform its specific function, but production costs and final switch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal box body structure that can accommodate different types of controls (manual operation, electronic communication, emergency stop) through a standardized interface. The fixing rod with complementary connection means allows various control modules to be mounted on the same box body without requiring different module designs, thus reducing production costs while maintaining functional versatility.
2Device complexity
If fixing holes are provided only on front and rear faces, then the casing structure is simple, but the switch can only be fixed in a single orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable anchoring mechanism that allows the auxiliary module to be rotated relative to the casing along a rotation axis. This dynamic feature enables the switch to be installed in multiple orientations (front, rear, left, right faces) without requiring additional fixing holes or external brackets, thus maintaining simple casing structure while improving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head is rotated by 90° to accommodate different opening types, then the switch can work with various barrier types, but the number of components and axial development increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the head rotation mechanism with a rotatable auxiliary module that can be anchored to the casing in different orientations. This allows the same compact component structure to be used for hinged, sliding, and other barrier types without increasing the number of components or axial development, as the rotation is achieved through the anchoring mechanism rather than head rotation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular structure for safety switches for controlling access for machines and industrial plants comprises a casing (2) adapted to be anchored to a fixed part of the access to be controlled and housing thereinside switching means for controlling one or more control and/or service circuits of the machine or plant, drive means adapted to interact with the switching means upon the opening/closing of the access for opening/closing of one or more circuits, an auxiliary module (3-3v) adapted to be anchored to the casing (2) and housing at least one control (4i-4v) adapted to be manually operated to operate on the switching means and/or the drive means. The auxiliary module (3-3v) comprises a box hollow body (5) having at least one opening (6) for inserting the control (4'-4v) provided with first means for removably connecting the control (4i-4v), the latter being selected within a series of controls (4i-4v) having functions different from each other and each provided with a fastening rod (7i-7v) adapted to be inserted in the opening (6) of the box body (5) and provided with second connecting means complementary to the first connecting means for allowing the selective assembly of the respective control (4i-4v) with the box body (5) based on the designed function of the module (3-3v).