Spring-Latch Rotary Switch Mechanism for Fast Remote Switch-Off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary switches with motor-driven mechanisms are large in size, costly, and have slow response times, making them inadequate for quick system fault responses.

Innovation Solution

A remote switch-off mechanism utilizing an energy storage spring and latch system that accumulates elastic potential energy for rapid switching without a motor, enabling quick disconnection of circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a motor-driven mechanism is used to control the rotary switch, then the switching function can be achieved, but the response time becomes slow and the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching response speedVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the motor component from the switching mechanism, replacing it with a spring-driven release mechanism. This eliminates the complex motor structure while achieving rapid switching through the energy storage and release of the spring system, directly resolving the contradiction between switching speed and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is pre-loaded and energized before the switching event occurs. The energy storage spring is compressed or twisted in advance, storing potential energy that is rapidly converted to kinetic energy when the release mechanism is triggered, enabling fast response without requiring a motor during the actual switching action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If a motor-driven mechanism is used to control the rotary switch, then the switching function can be achieved, but the device cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive motor component with a simple, inexpensive spring mechanism and release component. These mechanical parts are much cheaper to manufacture and assemble, while still providing the required automated remote switching function through the tripping mechanism that releases the stored spring energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the electromechanical motor system with a purely mechanical spring-driven system. This replacement eliminates the need for electrical motors, power supplies, and control circuits, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the automated switching capability through mechanical energy storage and release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If a motor-driven mechanism is used to control the rotary switch, then the switching function can be achieved, but the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching response speedVSAvoidrotary switch size
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic spring mechanism that can store and rapidly release energy, enabling fast switching in a compact form. The spring system provides the necessary force and speed for switching without requiring the bulky motor structure, achieving both high speed and small size through dynamic mechanical energy storage and release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Improves response time during switching by utilizing elastic potential energy for rapid disconnection, reducing size and cost compared to motor-driven systems.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage spring and a latch system that accumulates elastic potential energy for rapid switching without a motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4712123A2Remote switch-off mechanism and rotary switch
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4712123A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4712123A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4712123A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a remote switch-off mechanism and a rotary switch, and relates to the field of electrical technologies. A housing, an energy storage component, and a tripping component are provided. The energy storage component includes a latch, an energy storage spring, a rotating shaft, and an energy storage panel connected to the rotating shaft, an abutting portion is disposed on the energy storage panel, a first end of the energy storage spring is clamped to the housing, and a second end of the energy storage spring abuts against the abutting portion. The latch includes a hinged portion hinged to the housing, a limiting portion for limiting the second end of the energy storage spring, and a tripping portion that cooperates with the tripping component, and an elastic member is disposed between the latch and the housing, so that the tripping portion has a trend of moving toward the tripping component. The tripping component is configured to enable the limiting portion to release limiting on the second end of the energy storage spring, so that the rotating shaft rotates to a switch-off position. According to the remote switch-off mechanism and the rotary switch in this application, response time during switching of the rotary switch can be improved.