Switch Assembly with Optical Coupling for Dust-Resistant Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch assemblies with auxiliary units face issues with mechanical wear and dust accumulation, leading to increased force requirements for switching, which can exceed the force stored in the switch's spring, especially as the switch ages, potentially causing operational failures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a generator-transmitter that produces an activation signal via magnetic or electromagnetic radiation, allowing the actuator to remotely control the switch without a mechanical connection, thus eliminating dust-induced resistance and ensuring reliable operation over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical connection is used between the auxiliary unit and the switch, then the actuator can directly trigger the switch, but dust accumulation causes mechanical resistance that increases the force required to change the switch state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection between the auxiliary unit actuator and the switch with an optical coupling system. The actuator contains optical elements (emitters and detectors) that communicate with corresponding optical elements in the switch through a transparent window, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact. This substitution removes the source of mechanical resistance caused by dust accumulation while maintaining the ability to trigger the switch reliably over time.
2Strength
If mechanical wear occurs in the switch, then the force stored in the spring decreases, but a mechanical connection requires additional force to overcome dust-induced resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling system replaces the mechanical transmission path with an optical one. The actuator's optical elements detect the switch state and trigger changes without requiring physical contact or force transmission through mechanical components. This eliminates the need to overcome dust-induced mechanical resistance entirely, allowing the switch to operate reliably even as spring force decreases due to aging.
3Device complexity
If a mechanical connection is used between the auxiliary unit and the switch, then the assembly can be compact, but dust introduced by the mechanical connection opposes the passage of the switch from one state to the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection with an optical coupling system that uses transparent windows to allow optical signals to pass through the housing. This eliminates the need for mechanical openings or connections that would introduce dust into the switch mechanism, thereby preventing dust accumulation and the associated mechanical resistance while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 enables the switch to maintain reliable operation even after years of use by eliminating the need for mechanical connections, reducing dust interference, and ensuring the switch can trip without exceeding the force provided by the spring, enhancing safety and reliability in electrical networks.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator comprises a generator-transmitter arranged to produce an activation signal and transmit it by radiation to the switch, said generator-transmitter being a source of magnetic field or electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
said receiver being capable of receiving said magnetic field or electromagnetic radiation and transforming this electromagnetic field or this electromagnetic radiation into electrical and/or mechanical signals to trigger the switch
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly of a switch and an auxiliary unit arranged adjacently to each other, said switch being arranged so as to be switched between a first state in which an electric current on an electroconductive line on which the switch may be placed can pass through the switch and a second state in which said electric current is interrupted by the switch, said switch also being arranged so as to switch on in the second state in the event of observation of malfunction on said electroconductive line, said auxiliary unit comprising an actuator arranged so as to actuate the switch, said actuator comprising a generator-emitter arranged so as to produce an activation signal and transmit same by radiation to the switch, said switch comprising a receiver arranged so as to receive the activation signal and convert it into a change of state of the switch from the state in which it is currently to the other state thereof.