Pushbutton Dual Sliding Mechanism for Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushbuttons in safety applications, such as emergency stop devices, face challenges in ensuring a secure connection between the actuator and switching elements due to inadequate assembly or excessive force, leading to potential mechanical separation and failure to interrupt the circuit during emergencies, which can result in safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A pushbutton design featuring a housing with actuating head and base body, incorporating parallel sliding mechanisms with independent springs that distribute forces evenly and provide dual locking security, ensuring the system remains functional even if one slider fails, with the option to use different materials and designs for enhanced stability and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking slide is used to connect the actuator and switching element, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is insufficient due to potential material wear and spring breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent locking slides (8a, 8b) that operate in parallel. Each slide has its own spring element (9a, 9b) and can independently perform the locking function. This segmentation ensures that if one slide fails due to material wear or spring breakage, the other slide continues to provide locking security, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Strength
If high actuation forces are applied to ensure secure locking, then the locking force is sufficient, but material wear on the working surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation force is segmented and distributed across two locking slides (8a, 8b) that operate in parallel. Each slide experiences approximately half the total force compared to a single-slide system, which significantly reduces material wear on the working surfaces. This force distribution maintains sufficient locking force while extending the service life of the moving parts.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the locking mechanism is made more robust to withstand actuation forces, then the service life is extended, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two locking slides (8a, 8b) are arranged parallel to each other in one plane, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than increasing the overall footprint. This planar arrangement allows the mechanism to withstand high actuation forces and extend service life through force distribution, while maintaining a compact installation space by efficiently using the available dimensional space.
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 dual sliding mechanism with parallel springs enhances the pushbutton's reliability and safety by ensuring secure locking and reduced material wear, maintaining functionality under high forces and extending service life, while also allowing for a compact design and increased locking force.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (6) is mounted in the guides (5)
Data Source
AI summary
The button (1) has a housing that is formed from an operating head (2) and a base body (3). Housing guides (5) project from the operating head to the base body, where a spring element (6) is supported in the housing guides. The housing guides stay in effective-connection with two locking slides (8) during operation of operating head. The locking slides are arranged opposite to one another and comprise transparent recesses for light channels. Insertion bevels (7) are provided at ends of the housing guides.