Safety Switch Device with Pressure-Sensitive Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switching devices for monitoring lifting movements between aircraft components are prone to high weight, poor handling, and malfunctions due to complex structures and external wiring, failing to effectively detect collisions between aircraft doors and lifting devices during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A robust safety switching device with a cuboid base body, pressure-sensitive elements, and an elastically compressible spacer layer, protected from moisture and chemicals, which detects collisions by distributing pressure evenly across the base plate and triggering pressure detectors for accurate switching operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex structure with scissor connections and multiple moving elements is used for collision detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the device weight increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential collision detection function from the complex scissor mechanism, using only a single movable element with pressure-sensitive switches. This removes unnecessary components while retaining the core safety function, significantly reducing weight and simplifying handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scissor connection system with a simplified mechanical element that directly actuates pressure-sensitive switches. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while maintaining collision detection capability, reducing both weight and mechanical failure points.
2Reliability
If multiple moving elements coupled together are used in the safety switching device, then the collision detection function is enhanced, but wear and blocking increase leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all intermediate moving elements and couplings from the detection mechanism, retaining only a single movable element that directly contacts the pressure-sensitive switches. This extraction eliminates wear interfaces and blocking risks while preserving collision detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple moving elements to detect collision, the patent inverts the approach by using a single movable element that simply bridges electrical contacts. The detection function is achieved through electrical rather than mechanical means, eliminating wear and blocking issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external wiring and terminal box connections are used for electrical connections, then the device functionality is maintained, but the device becomes unwieldy and more prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection system with the mechanical structure by integrating conductive elements directly into the movable component and housing. This combination eliminates external wiring and terminal boxes, simplifying handling while maintaining full electrical functionality for collision detection.
4Reliability
If the safety switching device is made robust against moisture and chemicals, then the reliability in aviation environment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a polyurethane foam cover as a flexible protective shell that inherently resists moisture and chemical penetration. This single-material approach provides environmental protection without requiring complex multi-layer coatings or sealing systems, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliability in aviation environments.
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 device ensures consistent and accurate collision detection with a long service life, resistance to environmental factors, and ease of handling, while preventing moisture ingress and reducing wear and tear, thus enhancing safety and reliability in aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cuboid layer made of an elastically compressible material, which is arranged over the shifting force transmission plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety switching device with a collision detection system for detecting a collision between two devices, wherein the safety switching device comprises: a base body formed from a base plate (1) and a cover (2); one or more discrete pressure-sensitive elements (4) arranged on the inner surface of the base plate (1) such that they cover the entire surface of the base plate (1); a switching force transmission plate (5) and a foam-like spacer layer (6), a round handle (3), and a waterproof encapsulation (8) which includes electrical connections (7) of the pressure-sensitive elements (4).