Reciprocating Motion Mechanism With Mechanical Intermittent Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing linear reciprocating-motion apparatus for vehicles is complex in electrical circuitry and prone to malfunctions due to errors in electronic control programs, making it difficult to ascertain the switching state of the switch accurately.
Innovation Solution
A simplified linear reciprocating-motion apparatus with an intermittent mechanism that switches the switch from disconnected to connected state every two times the movable member reaches the third position, eliminating the need for complex electrical circuitry and relying on mechanical control to prevent malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a switch and control apparatus are used to detect and control the position of the movable member, then the positioning control is improved, but the electrical circuitry becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex control apparatus and electronic circuitry from the system. Instead of using a switch that requires electronic control to detect the position of the movable member, the invention extracts only the essential mechanical function needed for position detection and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system (switch and control apparatus) with a purely mechanical solution. The groove structure on the movable member works mechanically with the stopper to achieve position detection and control without any electronic components, thereby simplifying the electrical circuitry and improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If electronic control program is used to manage switch operations, then the control function is improved, but the risk of malfunctions due to bugs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical groove structure on the movable member automatically performs the control function without requiring external electronic control. The groove's geometry inherently guides the stopper to achieve the desired positioning control, making the system self-regulating and eliminating software bugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control program with a mechanical control mechanism. The interaction between the groove structure and stopper provides inherent control functionality through mechanical constraints, eliminating the need for electronic control software and associated malfunction risks.
3Ease of operation
If a stopper mechanism is used to control movement between positions, then the mechanical control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stopper mechanism with the groove structure on the movable member into a single integrated component. This combination achieves mechanical control functionality without requiring separate, complex mechanical parts, thereby providing ease of operation while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure serves multiple functions: it guides the stopper for position detection, provides mechanical control of movement between positions, and eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms. This multi-functionality achieves mechanical control while keeping the overall device complexity low.
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 design enhances reliability by simplifying the electrical circuitry and reducing the risk of malfunctions caused by electronic control errors, ensuring accurate switching and efficient operation of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a stopper that: (i) is supported by the housing, (ii) is displaceable between a blocking position at which movement of the movable member from the second position to the first position is prohibited and a nonblocking position at which movement of the movable member from the second position to the first position is permitted, (iii) is biased toward the blocking position
Implementation Method 2
a movable member that is supported by the housing, is capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in a range that includes: a first position, a second position, and a third position that is separated (spaced apart) from the first position more than the second position, and is biased toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A linear reciprocating-motion apparatus includes at least one movable member (10, 30) supported by a housing (90) and being capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in a range that includes a first position, a second position, and a third position; a stopper (50) supported by the housing to be displaceable between a blocking position that blocks the at least one movable member and a nonblocking position that does not block the at least one movable member, and is displaced to the nonblocking position in response to a specific operation; an intermittent mechanism (100, 200) that interacts with movement of the at least one movable member and assumes a specific state once every two times that the at least one movable member moves to the third position; and a switch (SW1) that, in response to the specific state, is switched from a disconnected state or a connected state to the other thereof.