Switch Assembly with Guard and Versatile Mounting for Mobile Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Custom-fabricated control devices for mobile machines lack safety features and versatility, particularly in preventing unintentional actuation and accommodating various mounting configurations, which can lead to costly re-fabrication when equipment changes are needed.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with a substantially enclosed housing, a guard to prevent unintentional actuation, and versatile mounting features that allow remounting along different side surfaces, including a movable cover and compression bands for secure attachment to a machine's railing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If custom-fabricated control devices are made to receive only a single type of switch and mount at a single location, then the device can be simpler in design, but the adaptability or versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multiple mounting features distributed at different locations on the housing, allowing the same device to be mounted in various configurations depending on the specific application requirements. This universal design enables a single device to serve multiple mounting purposes without requiring custom fabrication for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates movable and removable components including a movable cover that can be opened or closed, and removable mounting features that can be repositioned. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different mounting configurations and operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Device complexity
If custom-fabricated control devices are made without guards and covers, then the device complexity is reduced, but safety features deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is equipped with guards and covers as standard features that are pre-installed to prevent unintentional actuation before it can occur. These protective elements are designed into the device from the outset rather than added as afterthoughts, ensuring safety is built-in rather than retrofitted.
Solution Approach 2:
Guards and covers serve as intermediary protective elements between the operator/environment and the switch mechanism. These intermediate components physically block unintended contact with the switch while still allowing intentional operation, thus mediating between safety requirements and operational functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the control device is designed for a single mounting location, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mounting features are incorporated at different locations on the housing, allowing the device to be mounted in various configurations. This universal mounting capability enables the same device to adapt to different installation locations without requiring custom fabrication or high-precision adjustments for each specific location.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly for use with a mobile machine. The switch assembly may have a substantially enclosed housing with a front side surface and a plurality of other side surfaces, and a switch operatively connected to the front side surface. The switch assembly may also have at least one guard connected to the front side surface and located proximate the switch, and at least one mounting feature associated with at least one of the plurality of other side surfaces. The at least one mounting feature may be configured to engage a support member of the mobile machine.