Removable Push Button Switch With Automatic Contact Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push button switches for emergency stop instructions are complex in configuration, making them difficult to manufacture and prone to accidents where the switch portion drops off the operation portion, leading to unintended resumption of machine operation.
Innovation Solution
A push button switch design featuring a contact opening mechanism with a rotatably supported lever and a spring that automatically opens the normally closed contact configuration when the switch portion separates from the operation portion, ensuring safety by preventing accidental reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the push button switch uses a conventional configuration with separate operation portion and switch portion coupled by hook and engagement recess, then the switch can be assembled and disassembled, but the configuration becomes complex and prone to accidents where the switch portion drops off the operation portion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the push button switch into two separate portions: an operation portion containing the push button and operation mechanism, and a switch portion containing the switching contact unit. These portions can be independently manufactured and then coupled together through the fitting hole and engagement structures, enabling modular assembly and disassembly while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the switch portion as a separate, removable component that can be independently manufactured and attached to the operation portion. This extraction allows the switch portion to be replaced or maintained separately, simplifying the overall system while reducing the risk of accidental separation through proper engagement design
2Ease of repair
If the switch portion is removably coupled to the operation portion, then maintenance and replacement are easier, but the switch portion may accidentally drop off leading to unintended resumption of machine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a lock mechanism with a lock plate and protrusion that prevents the switch portion from accidentally separating from the operation portion. The lock plate engages with the protrusion on the push rod, creating a preliminary restraint that counteracts any forces that might cause accidental separation, while still allowing intentional removal when needed for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring is pre-loaded to maintain constant contact between the push rod and the movable frame, ensuring that the switching mechanism remains in its proper state. This preliminary action of the spring ensures continuous engagement and prevents accidental separation by maintaining mechanical connection between components
3Manufacturing precision
If the push button switch uses a complex configuration with multiple springs and linkages, then the switching mechanism can be precise, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the push button switch into separate operation and switch portions, each can be manufactured independently with optimized precision requirements. The operation portion handles the mechanical push action while the switch portion handles the electrical contact, allowing specialized manufacturing processes for each segment and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring automatically returns the push button and push rod to their initial positions after actuation, eliminating the need for additional reset mechanisms. The lock mechanism self-engages when the push button is released, providing automatic safety without requiring external intervention or complex control systems
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 design simplifies the configuration, enhances safety by ensuring the emergency stop instruction remains active even if the switch portion drops off, and improves manufacturability by decoupling the spring system from the operation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which urges the lever in a fixed rotation direction
Implementation Method 2
a lever which is rotatably supported and which has one end acting on a part of the operation portion coupled with the switch portion and the other end acting on a contact switching mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An operation portion and a switch portion of a push button switch are removably coupled. The switch portion includes a contact opening mechanism having a rotatably supported lever and a spring. The lever has one end acting on a part of the operation portion coupled with the switch portion, and the other end acting on a contact switching mechanism of the switching contact unit in the switch portion to open/close the contacts. The spring urges the lever in a fixed rotation direction. The contact switching mechanism is urged to move a movable contact from a standby state position toward an operating state position by the contact opening mechanism when the switch portion is separated from the operation portion. The contact switching mechanism is released from the urging when the switch portion is coupled with the operation portion.