Shared-Conductor Switch Device to Reduce Cooking Appliance Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances require multiple electric switches to implement a multi-switching function, leading to increased complexity, volume, and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate switches for burner ignition and indicator lamp control, which complicates the structure and increases the number of wires and components.
Innovation Solution
A single switch device with a housing containing a first and second switch, and an actuator that selectively opens and closes both switches using a common set of conductors, allowing for the integration of burner ignition and indicator lamp control functions within a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric switches are used to implement multi-switching function, then the switching capability is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electric switches into a single integrated switch device. The housing contains multiple contact blade assemblies that share common conductors, allowing multiple switching functions to be performed by one unified structure rather than separate switches. This merging approach maintains the multi-switching capability while reducing overall device complexity and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch device is designed to perform multiple switching functions simultaneously. The actuator can selectively open and close different combinations of contact blades to control various circuits (burner ignition, indicator lamp, etc.). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated switches for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric switches are used to implement multi-switching function, then the switching capability is improved, but the number of conductors and wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conductor paths into shared common conductors. Instead of having separate conductors for each switch, the design uses common conductors that are shared by multiple contact blade assemblies. This reduces the total number of conductors and wires required while maintaining the ability to control multiple circuits independently through the selective opening and closing of contact blades.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric switches are used to implement multi-switching function, then the switching capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switches into a single manufactured unit with a common housing, actuator, and shared conductors. This consolidation reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and material requirements compared to producing and assembling multiple separate switches. The integrated design allows for more efficient production and lower overall manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device and a cooking device having a switch device. The switch device may include a first switch configured to be opened or closed based on contact or non-contact between the first blade and the second blade; a second switch configured to be opened and closed based on contact or non-contact between the third blade and the fourth blade; a housing that accommodates the first switch and the second switch therein; and an actuator disposed in the housing and actuated to selectively open and close the first switch and the second switch. The first switch and the second switch may be fixedly supported by a support structure disposed on a same plane as a mounting plane for the actuator and may be positioned in a single inner space.