Snap Switch Tilting Driving Member for Fast Low-Noise Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap switch designs face issues with insufficient changeover speed, noise generation, and complexity, particularly in establishing or interrupting multiple conductive paths, and are not adaptable for 'double' or 'twin' designs, which are essential for applications like automotive systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a pushbutton and a snap-action switching device featuring a tilting driving member and a traction spring, allowing vertical movement and using cams to deform elastically deformable blades for contact establishment and release, enabling faster switching and multiple contact points with reduced noise through integrated dampening devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing snap switch designs use fixed conductive units with fixed contacts, then the structure is simple, but the changeover speed is insufficient and impact noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed conductive unit into a dynamic system where the conductive blade can pivot and change position. The blade transitions from a static contact configuration to a dynamic one where it can be actuated by the pushbutton through the driving member, enabling faster changeover without impact noise through controlled movement rather than rigid impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and position parameters of the conductive blade through the driving member mechanism. The blade's position, orientation, and contact state are dynamically adjusted via the pivotal connection and cam-follower interaction, allowing smooth transition between contact states without sudden impact
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing designs use complex swaying conductive elements, then switching functionality is achieved, but the design complexity increases and adaptability for twin designs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The driving member with its cam profile serves multiple functions: it converts the pushbutton's linear motion into rotational motion, controls the blade's pivotal movement, and enables both single-pole and twin switch configurations. This universal mechanism can be adapted to different switching requirements without fundamentally changing the core design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the switching function into independent modular components: the pushbutton, the driving member with cam, the conductive blade, and the contact elements. This segmentation allows the same basic mechanism to be replicated or configured in different arrangements, including twin designs, by simply adding or arranging components rather than redesigning the entire system
3Quantity of substance
If existing snap switches use fixed contact elements, then manufacturing is simple, but the number of components increases for multiple conductive paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple contact functions into a single conductive blade that can sequentially or simultaneously engage with multiple fixed contact elements. Instead of having separate movable contacts for each path, one blade handles multiple switching functions by pivoting to different positions, reducing the total number of moving components while maintaining the required number of conductive paths
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 solution enhances switching speed, reduces noise, and allows for adaptable configurations of conductive paths, making it suitable for applications requiring fast and reliable switching in automotive and electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a traction spring extending longitudinally and having one end hooking to the driving member distal to the pivotal end, and configured to pivot the driving member between an upper position and a lower position
Implementation Method 2
The driving member includes a cam configured to cooperate with a cam follower portion of the blade to deform or relax the blade transversely to cause the movable contact element to come into contact or release from contact with the fixed contact element
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical snap on switch includes a pair of associated contact elements, the contact elements include a fixed contact element and a movable contact element arranged facing the fixed contact element and that may come into contact with the fixed contact element for establishing a first conductive path. The snap on switch may also include a snap-action switching device that includes a tilting driving member pivotally mounted around a horizontal axis between an upper position and a lower position. The movable contact element is a movable portion of an elastically deformable conductive blade. The driving member includes a cam, which cooperates with a cam follower portion of the blade to deform or relax the blade, to cause the movable contact to come into contact, or out of contact, with the fixed contact element, therefore to realize switching.