Slip Connection for Reliable Switching in Combination Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical devices lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for switching and power distribution in combination devices, particularly in duplex and decorator-style configurations, which complicates wiring and affects reliability and visibility during operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a toggle mechanism with a flange to limit visibility, a U-shaped flipper mechanism, and a cradle with a slip connection to ensure secure and adjustable electrical contact, along with a spring interface for actuating the flipper, allowing for reliable switching and power distribution in combination devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional electrical connection mechanism is used in combination devices, then the wiring and connection process is complex and time-consuming, but the reliability and efficiency of switching and power distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cradle and terminal into a single integrated assembly, where the cradle support regions are formed as integral parts of the cradle structure. This merging eliminates separate wiring steps and simplifies the connection process while ensuring reliable electrical contact between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into modular components: the cradle with support regions, the terminal with contact points, and the flipper mechanism. This segmentation allows for independent assembly and adjustment of each component, reducing overall wiring complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
2Reliability
If a fixed electrical connection is used, then the assembly process is rigid and difficult to adjust, but the switching mechanism lacks reliability and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flipper mechanism that can dynamically adjust between different positions (first and second positions) to establish or disconnect electrical contact with the terminal. This dynamic element allows for reliable switching operations while enabling easy assembly and adjustment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flipper acts as an intermediary element between the cradle and the terminal, mediating the electrical connection. It can be positioned to make contact with the terminal for reliable switching, or moved away to disconnect, providing both consistency and ease of adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the switching mechanism is exposed, then the operation is visible and transparent, but arcing and sparking are visible which affects user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the potentially harmful visual effects (arcing and sparking) from the user's field of view by positioning the switching mechanism within the housing structure. The terminal and flipper connection occur inside the device, removing the harmful visual aspect while maintaining operational 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 enhances the reliability and consistency of switching operations while minimizing visibility of arcing and sparking, improving the overall performance and user experience of electrical combination devices.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to apply a force to the flipper
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device includes a cradle and a terminal. The cradle includes a body portion, a transition portion, and a connection portion. The body portion includes a transition portion that is bent from the body portion and extends between the body portion and the connection portion. The connection portion includes a plate extending away from the body portion. The terminal includes a main wall and a slip receiver connected to and angled away from the main wall. The slip receiver includes first and second walls connected by an integral receiver bridge. The slip receiver slidably receives the plate of the connection portion to establish an electrical connection between the cradle and the terminal. The plate of the connection portion of the cradle is at least partially disposed between the first and second walls of the slip receiver to complete the electrical connection between the cradle and the common terminal.