Rotary Switch Energy Storage Remote Switch-off Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary switches face reliability issues in remote switch-off operations due to the need for continuous power supply to drive the electric motor, which can fail during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A rotary switch design incorporating an energy storage component with a snap-fit latch and energy storage spring that accumulates elastic potential energy, allowing for a snap-fit connection to drive the switch-off mechanism without continuous power, using a tripping component for remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an electric motor is added to implement remote switching function, then the switch can be operated remotely, but the reliability decreases because continuous power supply is required which may fail during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote switching capabilityVSAvoidswitch-off reliability during emergency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage spring is pre-loaded during the switch-on operation to store elastic potential energy. This preliminary energy storage ensures that when emergency tripping is needed, the stored energy can immediately drive the switch-off mechanism without requiring continuous external power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between remote operation capability and emergency reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the energy storage spring to provide the driving force for switch-off operation autonomously. The tripping mechanism releases the pre-stored energy to automatically drive the operating mechanism, making the system self-sufficient during emergencies without relying on external power, thereby improving reliability while maintaining remote operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If an energy storage spring is used to drive switch-off without continuous power, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like latch and tripping mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch-off reliability without continuous powerVSAvoidoperating mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage spring is integrated into the existing operating mechanism structure, sharing space and functional elements with the latch and tripping components. The latch mechanism serves dual purposes: holding the switch in the on-position and controlling the release of stored energy. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the reliability benefits of energy storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch component performs multiple functions: it maintains the switch in the on-position during normal operation, controls the engagement of the energy storage spring, and enables the tripping mechanism to release stored energy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving reliable power-independent switch-off capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the reliability of remote switch-off actions by enabling operation without continuous power supply, ensuring reliable and stable switch-off even in emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

The energy storage spring can be separately connected to the latch and the drive component in a snap-fit manner, the drive component is rotated, so that the energy storage component can store energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first elastic part is disposed in the rotating base. When the rotating shaft is rotated, the rotating base can be driven to rotate by using the first elastic part, to switch off or switch on the on-off apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4174893B1Rotary switch
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4174893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4174893B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4174893B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a rotary switch, and relates to the field of electrical technologies. The rotary switch includes an operating mechanism, an on-off apparatus, and a tripping component, and the operating mechanism includes an energy storage component and a drive component. The drive component is separately in driving connection with the energy storage component and the on-off apparatus. The energy storage component includes a latch and an energy storage spring that cooperates with the latch. The energy storage spring can be separately connected to the latch and the drive component in a snap-fit manner, the drive component is rotated, so that the energy storage component can store energy, and the drive component is used to drive the on-off apparatus to be switched on. The latch cooperates with the tripping component, so that the latch locks or unlocks the energy storage spring. When unlocked, the energy storage spring drives the drive component to rotate to a switch-off position of the on-off apparatus. Reliability of a remote turn-off action of the rotary switch can be improved.