Remote Emergency Stop Switch Actuation With Simplified Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency stop switches require operators to be physically close to the switch, limiting the ability to operate the switch from a distance, which poses a safety risk and complicates the system's structure.

Innovation Solution

An operation switch unit with an operation support function, comprising an operation switch, a detection part for remote operation, and an actuating part that actuates the operation switch based on remote detection, allowing the switch to be operated from a distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the emergency stop switch is operated manually by pressing the push button directly, then the structure is simple, but the operator must be physically close to the switch which limits operability and creates safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an actuating part as an intermediary mechanism between the detection part and the operation switch. The actuating part includes an operation shaft that can be actuated remotely through linkage mechanisms, allowing the operator to trigger the emergency stop function from a distance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct manual mechanical operation with a detection-based actuation system. The detection part detects the operator's intent remotely and triggers the actuating part to move the operation shaft, substituting the need for direct mechanical contact and enabling remote operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the contact is disposed close to the operation switch for simple wiring, then the structure is compact, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the emergency stop switch into distinct functional modules: the operation switch portion, the contact portion, and the actuating part. By separating the contact from the operation switch and positioning it on the opposite side, the patent simplifies the internal structure of each module while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the actuating mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent rearranges the spatial arrangement of components by placing the contact on the opposite side of the operation switch. This dimensional reorganization allows the actuating part to serve as an effective linkage between the two, simplifying the overall structural layout while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3933871B1Operation switch unit with operation assistance function, operation unit with operation assistance function, and operation assistance system
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 IDEC CORP
  • EP3933871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3933871B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3933871B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The emergency stop switch 2 performs an operation support of an operation switch, and not only improves operability and safety but also simplifies the structure to enhance reliability. The emergency stop switch (or operation switch unit) 2 with an operation support function includes an emergency stop button (or operation switch) 21 for switching the state of the contact, a reception part (or detection part) 32 for detecting a remote operation of the emergency stop button 21 and an electromagnetic solenoid (or actuating part) 3 that is disposed between the contact and the emergency stop button 21 and that actuates the emergency stop button 21 on the basis of the remote operation received (or detected) by the reception part 32. The emergency stop button 21 is located on one end side of the emergency stop switch 2 and the contact is located on the other end side of the emergency stop switch 2.