Rotating Switching Assembly for Reliable Signal Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching arrangements face challenges in maintaining a reliable conductive connection in rest positions while allowing for easy interruption under external forces, especially in complex spatial arrangements and varying temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

A switching arrangement featuring freely rotatable coupling sections with concave and convex contact areas, allowing for reliable conductive connections in rest positions that can be interrupted by external forces, with optional spring-loaded or fixed contact parts and a design that accommodates various shapes and orientations for enhanced mobility and temperature independence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switching elements are rigidly connected to maintain stable conductive connection, then connection reliability is improved, but mobility and response to external force deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive connection reliabilityVSAvoidresponse to external force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching arrangement is divided into multiple independent switching elements that can rotate relative to each other around a common axis. Each switching element maintains conductive contact with its neighbors through rotational movement rather than rigid connection, allowing the system to respond to external forces while maintaining electrical continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching elements are designed to rotate dynamically around a common axis in response to external forces. This dynamic rotational capability allows the switching arrangement to adapt its configuration while maintaining conductive connections, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and responsiveness to force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If switching elements are arranged in complex spatial configurations, then adaptability to installation conditions is improved, but maintaining reliable conductive connection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconductive connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

All switching elements share a universal rotational mechanism around a common axis, allowing them to function reliably in various spatial configurations. This universal design enables the switching arrangement to adapt to different installation conditions while maintaining consistent conductive connection performance.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The switching elements are arranged to rotate around a common axis, utilizing rotational dimension to achieve spatial flexibility. This dimensional approach allows the switching arrangement to accommodate complex installation configurations while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the rotational mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If contact areas are designed for high contact force, then conductive connection reliability is improved, but temperature independence and mobility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive connection reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The contact areas are designed to maintain conductive connection through rotational movement rather than high static contact force. This dynamic approach reduces thermal stress and improves temperature independence while maintaining connection reliability across varying thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures reliable and temperature-independent switching signal triggering, even in complex installations, with high mobility and easy force response, maintaining conductive connections until interrupted by rotary movement, thus providing effective safety measures.

Implementation Method 1

The contact element slides with its front end on the support surface and the contact is broken

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The contact part is preferably spring-loaded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2385206B1Switching assembly
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 GUMMI WELZ GMBH & CO KG GUMMI KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK SCHAUMSTOFFE
  • EP2385206B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2385206B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2385206B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A switching arrangement comprises a series of switching elements (2) which are conductively connected to one another at contact points in their rest position and of which at least two switching elements can be moved from their rest position and the conductive connection under the influence of an external force. The switching elements (2) consist of a non-conductive base body and are coupled to one another by means of convex coupling sections (6, 66) which are each freely rotatable in a concave recess (8). The base body is provided with a conductive contact area (22, 26) at each coupling section, the two conductive contact areas of a base body being in conductive connection with each other. Under the influence of an external force, a contact section is rotated, causing its conductive contact area to move away from the adjacent conductive contact area and thus breaking the conductive connection.