Remote Emergency Stop Switch with Solenoid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency stop switches require operators to be physically close, limiting their ability to operate from a distance and complicating the structure, which affects operability and safety.
Innovation Solution
An operation switch unit with a detection part and an actuating part that allows remote operation, simplifying the structure and enhancing safety by enabling operation from a distance and incorporating a biasing mechanism to maintain the contact in a safe state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional emergency stop switch structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot operate from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency stop switch is divided into separate functional modules: the operation switch unit with push button and operation shaft, the contact unit with movable and fixed contacts, the detection part with receiver, and the actuating part with electromagnetic coil. These modules can be arranged in different configurations and connected through the operation shaft, allowing remote operation while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The operation shaft serves as an intermediary mechanical connection between the push button and the contact assembly. The detection part (receiver) acts as an intermediary that detects the operation state and triggers the actuating part (electromagnetic coil) to move the contact, enabling remote operation capability
2Reliability
If the contact is positioned close to the operation switch, then the structure is compact, but reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct operation switch unit and contact unit that can be positioned at opposite ends of the housing, with the actuating part and detection part arranged between them. This spatial segmentation improves reliability by separating the operation input from the contact output, reducing interference and improving operational clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating part (electromagnetic coil) and detection part are positioned as intermediaries between the operation switch and the contact. This arrangement ensures that the contact state changes only after proper detection and actuation, enhancing reliability by preventing direct or accidental contact activation
3Reliability
If no biasing mechanism is used, then the structure is simpler, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means (spring) is pre-installed to automatically return the operation shaft and contact to their initial safe positions after operation. This preliminary action ensures that even if the push button is not fully released or the electromagnetic actuation fails, the system automatically resets to a safe state, enhancing safety without requiring complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism provides self-service by automatically resetting the operation shaft and contact to their initial positions after actuation. This self-resetting capability ensures safety without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while improving safety
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
Improves operability and safety by enabling remote operation of emergency stop switches, simplifying the structure, and ensuring the contact remains in a safe state even after operation, reducing the risk of accidental reactivation.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating part that is disposed between the contact and the operation switch and that actuates the operation switch on the basis of the remote operation detected by the detection part
Implementation Method 2
a biasing means that biases the operation switch from an ON state to an OFF state
Data Source
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.