Rack-Gear Safety Switch Holder for Variable Terminal Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switch devices for robot operation units face challenges in securely attaching portable terminals of varying sizes due to inconsistent holding forces, which can lead to instability and potential detachment of smaller terminals.
Innovation Solution
A safety switch device with a movable slider and rack gear mechanism, combined with a springy member, ensures consistent holding force across different terminal sizes by adjusting the distance between holding portions using a meshing rack gear and engaging tooth member, maintaining the terminal in place through resilient force displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed attachment structure is used to hold portable terminals, then the structure is simple, but the holding force becomes inconsistent for terminals of different sizes, causing smaller terminals to detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable slider mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position along the device body to adapt to different terminal sizes. The slider moves in response to spring force to maintain consistent holding pressure, transforming a static fixed attachment into a dynamic adaptive structure that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the holding portion through the movable slider, allowing the attachment structure to adapt to different terminal dimensions. This parameter adjustment enables consistent holding force across various terminal sizes without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding portions are fixed at a specific distance, then the structure is stable, but it cannot accommodate portable terminals of different widths
Solution Approach 1:
The movable slider provides dynamic adjustability in the distance between holding portions, enabling the structure to accommodate different terminal widths while maintaining stability through controlled movement driven by spring force and rack-gear constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure is segmented into a fixed device body and a movable slider portion, allowing the distance between holding portions to be adjusted independently while maintaining the overall structural integrity and stability of the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable slider with rack gear mechanism is used to adjust holding distance, then adaptability to different terminal sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The springy member automatically provides the force needed to move the slider into the correct position based on terminal size, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms or additional actuators. The system serves itself by using elastic force to achieve proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack gear acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the linear motion of the slider into controlled engagement with the engaging tooth member, providing a simple mechanical interface that enables adaptability without requiring complex control systems.
4Ease of operation
If the engaging tooth member is always engaged with the rack gear, then the slider is constrained and cannot move for adjustment, but if disengaged, the holding force cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging tooth member dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states with the rack gear, allowing the slider to move freely during attachment/removal operations and then locking into position to maintain holding force during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The springy member is pre-loaded to automatically engage the tooth member with the rack gear once the slider reaches its operational position, ensuring holding force is maintained without requiring additional locking actions or complex control mechanisms.
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 device reliably secures portable terminals of various sizes by maintaining a consistent holding force, preventing detachment and ensuring stable operation, even under external forces, while allowing easy attachment and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a springy member that stores energy when deformed and that moves the engaging tooth member when the energy is released
Data Source
AI summary
A safety switch device including a device main body, a movable portion movable in a moving direction with respect to the device main body, and a holding portion configured to hold the movable portion at a position in the moving direction. The device main body includes a main-body-side holding portion, the movable portion includes a movable-portion-side holding portion provided so as to be opposite to the main-body-side holding portion in the moving direction, the holding portion includes a rack gear provided in one of the device main body and the movable portion, an engaging tooth member provided in the other of the device main body and the movable portion so as to be movable in a direction intersecting the moving direction, and an springy member that urges the engaging tooth member in a direction in which the engaging tooth member meshes with the rack gear.