Remote Emergency Stop Switch with Dual Manual Actuation Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation switch systems suffer from reduced operability and safety issues due to indirect manual operation and complex, failure-prone wireless control systems, as well as the inability to operate emergency stop switches remotely.
Innovation Solution
A dual-operation switch unit that allows direct and remote control, featuring a direct operation part and an alternative operation part with a detection mechanism and actuating portion, along with a biasing mechanism to maintain contact separation even if the switch is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller with cylinder is installed in front of the push switch to enable remote operation, then remote operation capability is improved, but manual operation operability deteriorates because the user must indirectly operate through the small rear portion of the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switch unit is divided into two independent operation paths: a direct operation part where the push button directly presses the switch, and an alternative operation part where a cylinder presses the switch. This segmentation allows both manual and remote operations to function independently without interfering with each other's operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation switch unit is designed to accept multiple types of operation inputs (direct manual pressing and remote cylinder actuation) through a single unified structure. The push button serves as a universal interface that can be activated either directly by user finger or indirectly by the cylinder, making the system multi-functional while maintaining consistent operation characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication system is used for remote emergency stop operation, then remote operation capability is improved, but system complexity increases and failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex wireless communication systems with bidirectional data exchange, the invention uses a simple electrical connection where the cylinder mechanically presses the push button. This replaces the electronic/wireless control system with a direct mechanical actuation system, significantly reducing complexity while achieving the same remote operation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder acts as a simple mechanical intermediary between the remote control signal and the push button. Rather than using complex wireless communication protocols and data processing, the cylinder directly translates the remote actuation into mechanical pressure on the push button, simplifying the control path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct wireless control of power circuit is implemented, then remote operation capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to bidirectional communication and circuit duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex wireless communication and circuit control functions from the system, replacing them with a simple mechanical actuation approach. By taking out the need for bidirectional communication and complex circuit control, the system achieves remote operation through the simple mechanical pressing action of the cylinder on the push button.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation switch unit is designed to be self-actuating through the cylinder's mechanical action. When the cylinder presses the push button, the switch automatically changes state without requiring additional control circuits or communication protocols. The mechanical action itself directly controls the circuit state.
4Ease of operation
If the operation switch unit includes both direct and alternative operation parts, then operability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The direct operation part and alternative operation part are merged into a single integrated operation switch unit. The push button structure serves both functions: it can be pressed directly by the user's finger or pressed by the cylinder. This merging approach allows dual operation modes within a single unified structure rather than requiring separate independent systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The emergency stop switch unit 2 as an operation switch unit includes a direct operation part 20A and an alternative operation part 20B. The direct operation part 20A has an emergency stop button 21 adapted to be directly operated. The alternative operation part 20B is adapted to be linked with the direct operation part 20A and alternatively operates the emergency stop button 21 in place of the direct operation part 20A. The alternative operation part 20B has a reception part 32 that detects a remote operation of the emergency stop button 21 and an electromagnetic solenoid 3 that actuates the emergency stop button 21 on the basis of the remote operation detected by the reception part 32.