Snap Action Switch Synchronization via Segmented Fulcrum Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch devices experience irregularity in synchronization timing of circuit switch-over when multiple circuits are synchronized, due to the sliding contact mechanism between the movable and fixed contact points, leading to potential misalignment and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a snap action mechanism that includes a housing, an operation member, fixed contact points, and movable contact points, where the snap action mechanism is driven by a tensile spring and a connecting member, ensuring precise alignment and synchronization of the movable contact points through a fulcrum-based mechanism, with optional reinforcement and material differences between the conductor plate and movable contact points for enhanced rigidity and position accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding contact mechanism is used between movable and fixed contact points, then the switch device can achieve circuit switch-over functionality, but irregularity in synchronization timing of circuit switch-over occurs when multiple circuits are synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The contact mechanism is divided into multiple independent snap action mechanisms, each comprising separate first driving bodies and second driving bodies. This segmentation allows each circuit to have its own dedicated snap action mechanism with consistent fulcrum positions, ensuring regular synchronization timing while maintaining functional independence of each contact point
Solution Approach 2:
The snap action mechanism employs asymmetric lever arms with different lengths extending from the fulcrum points. The first driving bodies have fulcrums positioned at specific asymmetric locations, and the second driving bodies have fulcrums at corresponding asymmetric positions. This asymmetric design creates consistent mechanical advantage ratios across all circuits, ensuring uniform snap action timing while enabling the irregular sliding contact to be replaced with a more complex but precise mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable contact point is brought into sliding contact with the inner wall surface of the case, then circuit switch-over can be performed, but the irregularity in synchronization timing of the circuit switch-over is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
Fixed contact points are introduced as intermediary elements between the movable contact points and the case inner wall. These fixed contact points are positioned at predetermined locations and serve as stable reference points for the movable contact points to contact during switching. This intermediary structure eliminates the irregular sliding contact with the case wall while maintaining the necessary circuit switch-over functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed contact points and snap action mechanisms are pre-positioned and fixed in predetermined locations during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the switch device is assembled and operated, the movable contact points will engage with the fixed contact points at consistent, pre-determined positions, thereby achieving precise synchronization timing without the irregularities of sliding contact
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 irregularity in synchronization timing, enhances position accuracy of movable contact points, and improves the reliability of circuit switch-over by ensuring precise alignment and operation of the snap action mechanism, even when multiple circuits are synchronized.
Implementation Method 1
a tensile spring which is attached to a part of a first driving body member in which the plurality of first driving bodies is integrally connected to each other by a connecting member and a part of the second driving body at both ends
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first driving bodies which has the movable contact points provided at one end side thereof and is formed with a fulcrum portion constituting a rotation fulcrum
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch device includes a housing having a receiving portion; an operation member that receives a pressing operation; a plurality of fixed contact points provided in the receiving portion side by side at predetermined intervals; a plurality of movable contact points having contact point portions that come into sliding contact with the fixed contact points; and a snap action mechanism that drives the movable contact points when the operation member is pressed to a predetermined position.