Position Switch Axial Toothing Angular Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position switches with external and internal gears require flawless pairings, leading to a complex structure, especially when achieving an angular and torsion-proof assignment of the actuating head and housing over a full pivoting range of 360° with selectable steps.

Innovation Solution

The position switch employs axially effective toothing with radially arranged teeth for a form-fitting, detachable coupling, where the teeth of a first face gearing have a greater radial extent than those of a second face gearing, providing a secure force fit and allowing for axial bracing via a sleeve-like extension and locking plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external and internal gears are used for angular positioning, then the actuating head can be positioned in selectable steps, but the structure becomes complex and requires flawless gear pairings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular positioning precisionVSAvoidgear structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear structure is divided into two separate face gearings (first and second) with different radial extents, eliminating the need for complex external and internal gear pairings while maintaining angular positioning capability through the distributed teeth configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using traditional external and internal gears that require precise meshing, the patent inverts the approach by using two face gearings with teeth that engage differently, where the first face gearing has greater radial extent than the second, simplifying the pairing requirements while achieving the same angular positioning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If gears with external and internal teeth are used for 360° pivoting range, then angular and torsion-proof assignment is achieved, but the structure becomes overly complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular and torsion-proof assignmentVSAvoidgear structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of angular positioning and torsion-proof assignment into a single face gearing structure with radially arranged teeth, eliminating the need for separate external and internal gear mechanisms while achieving both reliability requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional gear approach by using face gearings where the teeth engage through their radial extent rather than through meshing of external and internal gears, achieving torsion-proof angular assignment with a simpler structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise gear pairings are required for selectable angular steps, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular positioning accuracyVSAvoidgear pairing manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gear system is segmented into two independent face gearings with teeth distributed around the circumference, allowing each gearing to be manufactured and assembled separately without requiring complex precise pairings, while still achieving accurate angular positioning through the distributed tooth configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gear teeth by using face gearings with different radial extents instead of traditional external and internal gears, which simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining the required angular positioning accuracy through the modified tooth geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enables improved angular positioning and blocking of the actuating head on the housing, absorbing more force and ensuring a secure connection without the need for precise gear pairings, simplifying the structure and enhancing reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The full frictional connection can take place via axial bracing of the splines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the teeth of a first face gearing have a greater radial extent than the teeth of a second face gearing, providing a secure force fit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2879149B1Position switch

Publication Date: 2016.10.05 K A SCHMERSAL HLDG

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Figure 2~4

AI summary

Position switch having a pivoting-lever actuator which has a switching shaft supported in an actuating head, said switching shaft switching an actuating element in order to move a plunger of a switching element arranged in a switch housing, wherein a switch head is fastened to the switch housing, the actuating head being fixable in a locking manner to said switch head in different angular positions, for which purpose the actuating head is connectable to the switch head via a plug-in toothing, wherein the switch head and the actuating head have crown toothings which are fittable axially to one another and the teeth of which that are arranged circumferentially in a manner spaced apart from one another provide first and second planar toothings, and the teeth of the first planar toothing have tooth flanks that have a greater radial extent than the teeth of the second planar toothing.