Rotating Latch Switch Cover Prevents Pin Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing accidental operation of switches in manufacturing and production environments often require disconnecting and reconnecting wires, which can cause damage and necessitate additional testing and certification, making it desirable to find a solution that does not involve wire disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A protective cover device with a rotatable latch element that encapsulates the switch, forming a cavity for wiring and providing a cutout to reveal the switch's status, preventing accidental activation without the need to disconnect wires, using materials like fire retardant polymeric materials for aerospace applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are disconnected to prevent accidental operation, then switch safety is improved, but connector pin damage and additional testing requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective cover as an intermediary component between the switch and the external environment. This cover physically isolates the switch, preventing accidental activation while maintaining wire connections intact, thus eliminating the harmful effects of wire disconnection and reconnection on connector pins
2Reliability
If wires are disconnected for switch protection, then accidental operation is prevented, but additional testing and certification are required
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is installed on the switch before wire connection, establishing the safety mechanism in advance. This preliminary action allows the switch to remain connected and operational throughout manufacturing and testing processes, eliminating the need for additional electrostatic discharge testing and functional testing that would be required if wires were disconnected and reconnected
3Ease of operation
If wires are reconnected after disconnection, then switch operation is restored, but damage to connector pins occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover serves as a permanent intermediary that enables switch protection without wire disconnection. By maintaining continuous wire connections throughout the product lifecycle, the cover prevents the mechanical stress and potential damage that occurs during repeated connection and disconnection cycles
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices related to preventing accidental operation of a switch are disclosed. An example device includes a main body, and a latch element rotatably connected to the main body and is configured to move relative to the main body between an unlatched position and a latched position. In the latched position, the main body and the latch element encapsulate the switch. Also, in the latched position, the main body and the latch element form a cavity configured to accommodate wiring to the switch. Further, the main body is configured with a cutout to reveal a status of the switch. The switch has Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) index pin compatibility.