Rotatable Switch Selector Ring Wave Spring Detent Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for safety lights and devices used in emergency situations involving water risk are easily triggered by splashing, leading to false readings and corrosion issues in corrosive environments.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a rotatable switch featuring a cylindrical lens, a selector ring, and a wave spring mechanism that prevents accidental rotation, providing tactile feedback and ensuring the switch remains in selected positions, while being designed to withstand corrosive environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple sensor is used for detecting water presence, then the device is easy to manufacture and low cost, but it is easily triggered by splashing causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple discrete elements (first sensor element and second sensor element) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between splashing (affecting one element) and true submersion (affecting multiple elements simultaneously), improving reliability without requiring complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses more sensor elements than the minimum single sensor would require. By deploying multiple sensor elements in an array, the system achieves better discrimination capability against false triggers. The excessive number of simple elements provides robust false trigger rejection through pattern recognition algorithms
2Reliability
If a sensor is made corrosion-resistant, then it can withstand corrosive environments, but it may still give false readings when exposed repeatedly to corrosive conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Different components of the sensor system are given different protective qualities appropriate to their function. The sensor elements themselves are protected by corrosion-resistant coatings or enclosures, while the electronic processing components are sealed in protective housings. This localized application of corrosion resistance ensures overall system reliability without over-engineering every component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective measures against corrosion before the sensor is deployed in harsh environments. This includes using corrosion-resistant materials for sensor construction and applying protective coatings that prevent degradation from repeated exposure to corrosive substances, ensuring consistent readings over time
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable switch with selector ring is used for function selection, then the device allows multiple function selection, but it may be accidentally rotated by splashing water
Solution Approach 1:
The selector ring mechanism is segmented into discrete positional stops corresponding to different functions. The ring is divided into multiple engagement positions with detents or notches that provide stable resting points. This segmentation prevents accidental rotation by requiring deliberate user action to move between discrete positions, while still allowing multiple function selections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective measures against accidental rotation through mechanical features such as detents, springs, or friction elements that resist unintended movement. These features create a preliminary barrier against splashing water causing rotation, while still allowing intentional user activation. The mechanism is designed to require a minimum threshold force or deliberate action to overcome the anti-rotation features
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 solution effectively prevents false triggers from splashing and corrosion, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions by using a wave spring mechanism to secure the selector ring and provide tactile feedback for accurate function selection.
Implementation Method 1
a wave spring positioned between the annular ledge and the selector ring, the wave spring biasing the plurality of tabs against the groove
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising a lens and a selector ring is disclosed. The selector ring is mounted for rotation about the lens and comprises a plurality of tabs projecting inwards towards the lens which engaging with and are held within a tab receiving groove comprising a plurality of spaced notches. Each of the notches is dimensioned to receive one of said tabs. A wave spring positioned between an annular ledge of the lens and the selector ring which biases the plurality of tabs against the groove and such that when each of the plurality of tabs is positioned adjacent a respective one of the notches, the tabs are biased into the notches thereby preventing said selector ring from being rotated. A user disengages the tabs from the notches by pressing said selector ring against the bias of the wave spring, thereby allowing the selector ring to be rotated.