Rotary Control Device 360° Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary electrical control devices are limited in their angular displacement to less than 360° and are restricted to vertical mounting positions, failing to accommodate various application configurations and the need for multiple switching positions.
Innovation Solution
A rotary electrical control device design featuring a base with an axial fixing member, a rotatable actuator with an indexing system, and a sensor for detecting movement, allowing for 360° rotation and adaptable mounting positions, along with an indexing device using a ball and elastic element for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If fixing lugs and angle limiters are used to constrain actuator rotation, then the device structure is simple and compact, but the angular displacement is limited to less than 360°
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing device is segmented into multiple independent components: an indexing support with multiple indexing positions, a ball element, and an elastic element. This segmentation allows the actuator to achieve unlimited rotation while providing discrete indexed positions through the interaction of these separate components, resolving the contradiction between increased angular displacement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball mounted against the stress of the elastic element acts as an intermediary between the indexing support and the actuator. This intermediary mechanism enables the actuator to rotate freely while the ball engages with the indexing support to provide predetermined indexed positions, allowing unlimited rotation without requiring complex limiting structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for vertical mounting position, then the mounting structure is simplified, but the device cannot be mounted in horizontal position
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow the device to be mounted in multiple positions (vertical, horizontal, or at any intermediate angle). The axial fixing member and indexing support are configured to function independently of mounting orientation, enabling the same device structure to serve multiple mounting configurations without requiring position-specific adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism operates in a dimension independent of the mounting orientation. The indexing support and ball engagement mechanism function along the axis of rotation regardless of whether the device is mounted vertically or horizontally, allowing the indexing function to remain effective across different spatial dimensions and mounting configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching positions are required, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing support is segmented with multiple discrete indexing positions distributed around the actuator's rotation path. Each position is defined by a specific geometric feature on the indexing support that engages with the ball. This segmentation allows multiple switching positions to be achieved through a simple geometric configuration rather than complex mechanical structures for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The number and angular distribution of indexing positions can be easily modified by changing the geometric parameters of the indexing support, such as the number of teeth or engagement features and their angular spacing. This allows the device to be adapted for different numbers of switching positions (e.g., 4 positions at 90° intervals, 6 positions at 60° intervals) without fundamental structural changes, resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and structural complexity.
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
Enables flexible configuration for different applications, supporting both horizontal and vertical mounting, and customizable indexing for multiple switching positions, enhancing versatility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Technology based on the Hall effect is thus widely used to manufacture such rotary devices: the fixed sensor is a Hall effect sensor and the detectable element is a magnet integral with the actuator, the movement of the magnet inducing a magnetic field variation which is measured by the sensor and exploited in the form of an output signal depending on the amplitude or angular travel of the displacement.
Implementation Method 2
a device for returning the actuator to a so-called neutral position, arranged between the base and the actuator... a ball mounted against the stress of an elastic element mounted on the base
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary electrical control device, including a base (6, 3) forming a rotation axis of an actuator (1) that includes a device (30, 32) for axial fixation along a rotation axis of the actuator (1), an actuator (1) that can move in rotation around the base (6, 3), the geometry of the base (6, 3) and the geometry of the actuator (1) enabling a rotation of the actuator (1) around the base (6, 3) without travel path limitation, said actuator (1) including an element (8) that is detectable by a sensor, a printed circuit (5) that is secured to the base (6, 3) and includes a sensor for detecting a movement of said element (8) and converts same into an electrical signal, a device (7) for returning the actuator (1) toward a neutral position, and an indexing device for retaining the actuator (1) in at least one position determined with respect to the base (6, 3).