Sensor Switch Indented Terminal for Normally Open State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball switches are typically normally closed and cannot be adapted to function as normally open switches, which limits their application in products requiring a different operational state.
Innovation Solution
A sensor switch design featuring an insulating casing with electroconductive terminals and beads that can be converted between open and closed states through external forces, utilizing indented and angled segments on the terminals to position and connect the beads for electrical contact or separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ball switch is designed as normally closed, then the switch can maintain electrical connection in stationary state, but it cannot be adapted to function as a normally open switch for products requiring different operational states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional ball switch design by changing the default state from closed to open. The indented segment on the terminal surface creates a recess that holds the rolling ball away from the contact point in the stationary state, making the switch normally open. When vibrated, the ball rolls out of the indented segment to make contact, achieving the opposite behavior of conventional switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies only the local geometry of the terminal surface by adding an indented segment, rather than redesigning the entire switch mechanism. This localized modification changes the default position of the rolling ball, enabling normally open functionality while keeping the rest of the switch structure simple and familiar.
2Reliability
If the rolling balls are made to separate when the casing is shaken or vibrated, then the switch transitions to open state, but the switch cannot maintain a normally open state when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The indented segment on the terminal surface pre-positions the rolling ball in a specific location (away from the contact point) when the switch is stationary. This preliminary positioning ensures the switch reliably maintains its normally open state without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms to hold the ball in place.
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
Enables the sensor switch to maintain a normally open state and improve sensitivity by allowing easy conversion between open and closed states based on the orientation and movement of the switch, addressing the limitations of conventional ball switches.
Implementation Method 1
When the sensor switch is placed such that the axis is horizontally leveled, the electroconductive beads are respectively retained in the indented segments of the inner surrounding surfaces of the electroconductive terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor switch includes two electroconductive terminals and two electroconductive beads. The electroconductive terminals are spaced apart along an axis. Each of the electroconductive terminals has an inner surrounding surface surrounding the axis and having an indented segment indented away from the axis. The electroconductive beads are movably and respectively disposed in the electroconductive terminals. When the sensor switch is placed such that the axis horizontally leveled, the electroconductive beads are respectively retained in the indented segments of the electroconductive terminals to be spaced apart from each other so that the sensor switch is in an open state.