Pushbutton Switch Contact Speed Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button electrical control switches face issues with mechanical endurance due to excessive energy transfer to electrical contacts, leading to degradation, and complex kinematic chains that complicate assembly and disassembly, as well as stress on contacts during rest periods.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates decoupling means with elastic control elements that set predetermined maximum displacement speeds, a retractable stop to release internal movement under external force, and a return force opposing the control force, ensuring independent speed control of electrical contacts regardless of the push-button's speed, and a holding force for controlled state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the control push-button directly controls the electrical contact, then the structure is simple, but excessive control force damages the electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control pusher as an intermediary element between the control push-button and the electrical contact. The control pusher includes a first end that receives the control force from the push-button and a second end that controls the electrical contact. This intermediary structure allows the control force to be transmitted while preventing direct damage to the electrical contact, as the control pusher absorbs and distributes the force appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional parts: the control push-button, the control pusher with its first and second ends, and the electrical contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the control pusher acting as a buffer that protects the electrical contact from excessive force while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the push-button stroke is made longer, then it is easier to operate, but the electrical cell stroke is exceeded causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control pusher serves as a mediator that decouples the stroke lengths of the push-button and the electrical cell. The first end of the control pusher can travel the full stroke distance of the push-button for easy operation, while the second end of the control pusher is limited to only the necessary stroke distance to actuate the electrical contact, preventing over-travel damage to the electrical cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The control pusher dynamically adapts its movement characteristics along its length. The first end follows the full stroke of the push-button, while the second end is constrained to move only through the necessary range to operate the electrical contact. This dynamic behavior allows the system to accommodate both ease of operation and protection of the electrical cell.
3Speed
If excessive control force is applied, then the push-button responds quickly, but energy surplus damages the electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The control pusher acts as an energy-absorbing intermediary that prevents surplus energy from reaching the electrical contact. When excessive control force is applied, the control pusher absorbs the excess energy through its mechanical compliance and friction characteristics, allowing the electrical contact to be actuated at the appropriate speed without receiving damaging energy surges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful excessive control force into a beneficial feature by using the control pusher's friction and mechanical compliance to regulate energy transmission. The excessive force that would normally damage the electrical contact is instead used to ensure positive engagement of the control mechanism, with the control pusher dissipating the surplus energy through controlled friction and deformation.
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 solution enhances the mechanical endurance of the switch by decoupling the push-button's speed from the electrical contact's state change speed, reducing wear and simplifying assembly, while maintaining high control force and speed compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The control push-button 4 is generally maintained in its rest position thanks to the action of elastic means. The force that the elastic means apply to the control pusher 4 tends to oppose the movement of said pusher from its rest position to its control position.
Implementation Method 2
The elastic means, preferably comprising a coil spring, are compressed when the pusher is in its control position.
Implementation Method 3
As soon as the action on the control push-button 4 is canceled, the control force FC is also canceled and the elastic means tend to return said push-button to its rest position.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~9
Figure 10~11
AI summary
The switch (1) has disconnection units constituted of an internal piston (6) and two elastic control units (8, 9) and provided with a displacement unit for displacing an electric contact (3) from a rest state to a detection state and vice-versa at a speed, whose maximum value is predetermined. The electric contact has a speed of movement respectively from the rest state to detection state and from the detection state to rest state independent of a speed of an external piston (5) of an operating push-button (4), when the speed of the external piston is greater than two preset maximum speeds.