Slider Switch With Surface Contact For Thermostat Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostat controllers require multiple slider switches to control fan speed and operation, leading to increased volume, cost, and high contact resistance due to limited contact surface area and point contact connections, which affects reliability, especially when handling large currents.
Innovation Solution
A slider switch design with a base, slider, and two rows of pins, featuring contact elements and elastic elements to ensure stable surface contact, allowing for switching among multiple phases and connecting three circuits with reduced contact resistance and volume, using a single slider switch to control fan on/off and speed adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slider switches are used to control fan on/off and speed adjustment, then the control functions are achieved, but the volume and cost of the thermostat controller increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate slider switches into a single integrated slider switch that performs both fan on/off control and speed adjustment functions. The slider switch includes a first slider for on/off control and a second slider for speed adjustment, both integrated into one component structure, thereby reducing the overall volume and part count while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider switch is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fan on/off switching and fan speed regulation capabilities. By making the slider switch universal for multiple control tasks, the patent eliminates the need for separate switching devices, thus reducing controller volume and component quantity.
2Device complexity
If point contact is used between slider and contact points, then the structure is simple, but the contact resistance increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point contact to surface contact by designing the contact interface between the slider and contact points to occur over an extended area rather than at a single point. The slider includes contact surfaces that engage with corresponding contact points over a distributed area, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the contact interface, which reduces contact resistance and improves reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two rows of contact points are arranged in glide direction, then switching among multiple phases is enabled, but the contact points may not be properly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary component between the slider and the contact points. This elastic element ensures reliable electrical connection by providing continuous pressure and adaptability, allowing the slider to maintain stable contact with multiple contact points arranged in two rows along the glide direction, thereby enabling dependable phase switching across multiple positions.
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 solution reduces production costs and volume by integrating fan control functions into a single slider switch, enhancing reliability and reducing contact resistance through increased contact surface area and stable surface contact, enabling efficient operation with reduced heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element... One end of the first elastic element could be connected with the base, and the other end of the first elastic element could be connected with the contact sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
A slider switch and a thermostat controller using the same are provided. The switch comprises a base (30), a slider (10), several pins (20) arranged in two rows, and a contact element (12) for electrically connecting a pair of neighboring pins in the same row. A first elastic element (34) and a contact sheet (32) are provided along the glide direction. One end of the first elastic element is connected with the base, the other end of the first elastic element is connected with the contact sheet, and one end surface of the slider adjacent to the contact sheet can be pressed against the contact sheet from a direction opposite to the first elastic element. When each of the contact elements is in contact with a pair of the pins closest to the contact sheet, the contact sheet is separate from the two pins closest to the contact sheet with the pressure from the slider; and when each of the contact elements is in contact with other pins of pins other than those closest to the contact sheet, the contact sheet is pressed against the two pins closest to the contact sheet by the first elastic element. The slider switch can be used for fan control in the thermostat controller as well as occasions requiring switch and connection among multiple circuits.