Rotary Cover Protection Device With Cam Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection devices for electrical control systems have unsatisfactory ergonomics, are aesthetically unattractive, and lack reliable detection of position changes, making them prone to accidental actuation and inadequate for enhanced safety features.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with a rotary cover that pivots around an axis perpendicular to the control panel, utilizing a first and second cam mechanism with elastic assistance for ergonomic handling and reliable position detection, allowing for improved aesthetics and robust sensor detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the axis of rotation of the cover is parallel to the support and perpendicular to the main direction of actuation, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the ergonomics are unsatisfactory with small gripping area and non-intuitive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by making the rotation axis of the cover perpendicular to the support instead of parallel. This inversion allows the cover to rotate in a plane parallel to the support surface, providing a larger gripping area and more intuitive movement for the user, thereby significantly improving ergonomics while maintaining mechanical simplicity
2Reliability
If the mechanical structure is arranged above the support on the visible side, then the cover rotation is achievable, but the components are exposed to environment and require anticorrosion treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical structure (cams and elastic member) from the visible side and relocates it to the rear side of the support. This extraction protects the sensitive mechanical components from environmental exposure such as fluids and corrosion, while the cover itself remains visible and functional on the front side, maintaining its protective function without compromising component reliability
3Shape
If the mechanical structure is arranged on the visible face of the support, then the cover can rotate, but the structure with certain size is unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical structure from the visible face of the support and relocates it to the rear side. This extraction eliminates the aesthetic drawback of having a bulky mechanical structure on the visible surface, resulting in a cleaner, more attractive appearance while preserving all functional capabilities of the cover rotation mechanism
4Reliability
If the cover rotates around an axis parallel to the support, then the structure is simple, but the detection of position change by sensor is unreliable and not robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct rotational detection mechanism with a cam-based mechanical system that converts the cover's rotational movement into linear displacement of the second cam. This mechanical substitution provides a more reliable and robust position detection system, as the linear movement of the cam can be accurately detected by sensors, improving reliability while the cam mechanism itself remains relatively simple in design
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
Enhances ergonomics and aesthetics by providing intuitive handling and reliable position detection, improving safety and reducing exposure of mechanical components to the environment.
Implementation Method 1
a second cam movable only in translation relative to the body in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the cowl and urged towards the first cam by an elastic member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting an electrical control system (2) actuated by a control member (20) and arranged in a control panel (3), comprising: - a body (19) having a longitudinal axis intended to extend perpendicularly to a wall of said control panel (3), - a rotating cover (11) movable relative to the barrel (10) between a rest position in which it prohibits access to said control member (20), and an access position in which it allows access to this member (20), - a first cam (14) rotationally fixed to the cover (11), - a second cam (12) movable in translation relative to the body (19) in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the cover (11) and driven towards the first cam (14) by an elastic member (13), - the first and second cams having complementary profiles (P1,P2) adapted to successively provide: (i) a first stable interlocking of the two cams in the rest position, (ii) a translation of the second cam (12) against the stress on the elastic element (13) under the effect of the rotation of the first cam (14), (iii) a second stable interlocking of the two cams in the access position.