Semi-Circular Latch Mechanism for Switch Device Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switch device operating mechanisms face issues with the reliability of retaining the closing state due to the tripping latch's engagement with a pin, leading to potential disengagement and difficulty in position adjustment, especially when the line of force direction is deviated.

Innovation Solution

The mechanism incorporates a first semi-circular latch to retain the closing spring's energy via a closing lever and a second semi-circular latch to retain the interrupting spring's energy via a tripping lever, allowing for a shorter distance from the pivot center to the engagement point, simplifying position adjustment and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional tripping latch is engaged with a pin at a separated distance from the pivot center, then the closing state can be retained, but the latch becomes easy to disengage when the line of force is deviated, position adjustment is troublesome, and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of latch sectionVSAvoidposition adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs semi-circular latches instead of conventional linear latch designs. The semi-circular shape allows the latch to engage with the pin at a point closer to the pivot center while maintaining retention capability. The curved geometry provides a natural arc of engagement that accommodates force direction variations without disengagement, eliminating the need for precise position adjustment while enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the distance from engagement place to pivot center of tripping latch is separated, then the closing state can be retained, but the latch becomes easy to disengage when line of force direction is deviated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of closing stateVSAvoidstability of latch engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-circular latch geometry creates a stable engagement where the latch follows an arc path around the pin. This curved engagement path ensures that even when force directions vary during operation, the latch remains securely engaged with the pin, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining reliable retention of the closing state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the semi-circular latch body, the engagement point, and the pivot center. This segmentation allows the engagement point to be positioned optimally close to the pivot center for stability, while the semi-circular shape provides the necessary retention capability, resolving the contradiction between retention and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If semi-circular latches are used to retain stored energy of springs, then the distance from pivot center to engagement place can be shortened, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of stored energyVSAvoidcomplexity of latch mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-circular latch design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it retains the stored energy of both the closing spring and interrupting spring, provides stable engagement close to the pivot center, and accommodates force direction variations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable energy retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration reduces the load on the latch section, enabling reliable retention of stored energy and allowing the switch device to operate with high reliability, while also requiring a smaller drive force for operation.

Implementation Method 1

a closing spring (16) which provides a closing drive force for closing a contact of a switch device by rotating a camshaft (3) by release of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second semi-circular latch (13) which prevents the output lever from pivoting in a tripping direction via a tripping lever (8) and retains stored energy of an interrupting spring provided on the linking mechanism, the pivoting of the output lever being caused by transmission of the stored energy of the interrupting spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8664556B2Switch device operating mechanism

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

Included are: a closing spring which provides a closing drive force for closing a contact of a switch device by rotating a camshaft by release of energy; a first semi-circular latch which retains stored energy of the closing spring via a closing lever; an output lever which pivots by being pressed by a cam provided on the camshaft when retention by the first semi-circular latch is released and the energy of the closing spring is released, and transmits the closing drive force to the switch device via a linking mechanism; and a second semi-circular latch which prevents the output lever from pivoting in a tripping direction via a tripping lever and retains stored energy of an interrupting spring provided on the linking mechanism, the pivoting of the output lever being caused by transmission of the stored energy of the interrupting spring.