Safety switch with fool-proof function and toaster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toaster safety switches, which rely on electronic control switches, are prone to failure at high temperatures, posing safety hazards due to the inability to turn off the power supply when one switch fails.
Innovation Solution
A safety switch with a mechanical contact structure featuring two pairs of first contacts and a trigger structure, allowing for redundant connection and disconnection of the power circuit through a movable pressing part, ensuring power can be disconnected even if one contact is stuck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic control switches are used in the toaster power circuit, then the control function is achieved, but the reliability deteriorates at high temperatures causing the switches to fail and inability to turn off power
Solution Approach 1:
The power circuit is divided into two independent parallel paths, each with its own switch (first switch and second switch). This segmentation ensures that if one switch fails due to high temperature, the other switch can still independently control the power circuit, thereby improving reliability under high temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the circuit with redundant switching capability in advance, preparing a backup control path before any failure occurs. This prior cushioning ensures that when high temperature causes one switch to fail, the system already has another functional switch to maintain safe operation.
2Reliability
If two electronic control switches are added in parallel to the power circuit, then the safety is improved by allowing independent shutdown, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two switches into a single integrated control unit with a unified housing structure. The first and second switches are mounted on the same circuit board within the same housing, sharing common components such as the actuating mechanism and housing structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of dual-switch redundancy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical contact structure is used instead of electronic control switches, then the resistance to high temperature and electromagnetic interference is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties and structural characteristics to different parts of the switching mechanism. The contact elements use materials with high thermal and electrical conductivity, while the housing provides mechanical stability and precise alignment features. This local optimization of material and structural quality ensures reliable mechanical contact operation under high temperature conditions without requiring excessive manufacturing precision across the entire assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety switch with fool-proof function and a toaster with the same are provided. The switch includes two pairs of first contacts connected to a live wire, a pair of second contacts connected to a zero line, and a trigger structure. The two pairs of first contacts are connected in series in a power circuit. A trigger gap is formed between the first contacts and the second contacts. The trigger structure is movable up and down to drive a pressing part out of and into the trigger gap. When the pressing part enters the trigger gap, the two pairs of first contacts are electrically connected respectively. Thus, the power circuit can be effectively turned off through the switch, thereby improving the safety performance. Moreover, the switch adopts a mechanical contact structure, which is not affected by high temperature and other electromagnetic interference signals, and has high safety.