Electrical Switch Mode Transition via Axial Bearing Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switches face difficulties in transitioning smoothly between bistable and monostable switch modes due to the complexity of lateral displacement of the compressible element, requiring specific height adjustments that are impractical.
Innovation Solution
The electrical switch design incorporates a movable part with a bearing surface along the compression axis, allowing reversible operation mode changes by moving the part along the compression axis, facilitated by an actuating element and cam path, enabling easy switching between bistable and monostable modes without the need for complex lateral displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressible element is laterally displaced to move between rest position and active position, then the switch can transition between bistable and monostable modes, but the implementation becomes difficult due to height requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of laterally displacing the compressible element between rest and active positions, the invention inverts the approach by moving the bearing surface along the compression axis. When the bearing surface moves away from the driver, the compressible element becomes inactive (bistable mode). When the bearing surface moves toward the driver, the compressible element is compressed and constrained (monostable mode). This inversion simplifies the mechanical implementation while achieving the same functional transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of movement from lateral displacement (perpendicular to compression axis) to axial displacement (along the compression axis). The bearing surface is moved along the compression axis between a remote position and a support position, transforming the transition mechanism into a simpler linear motion that aligns with the natural compression direction of the element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lateral displacement is used to activate the compressible element, then mode switching is possible, but the height space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts which component moves: instead of moving the compressible element laterally, the bearing surface is moved along the compression axis. This inversion allows the same mode-switching functionality to be achieved with more efficient use of the vertical space under the driver, as the movement aligns with the compression direction rather than requiring additional lateral clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the movement dimension from lateral to axial, the invention optimizes the space utilization under the driver. The bearing surface travels along the compression axis, utilizing the existing vertical space more effectively and eliminating the need for additional height clearance that would be required for lateral displacement mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing surface moves along the compression axis, then the transition between modes becomes simpler and more intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface serves multiple functions: it supports the compressible element, guides its compression along the axis, and its own movement along the compression axis controls the activation state. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for separate lateral displacement mechanisms, making the device easier to operate despite the added movability of the bearing surface.
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 design simplifies the transition between bistable and monostable switch modes by aligning with the compression of the compressible element, ensuring consistent operation and user accessibility through intuitive actuation, enhancing practicality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible element along a compression axis, the compressible element being adapted to be inactive vis-à-vis the trainer... to be received between a support surface and the trainer and constrained against the trainer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical switch (100) comprising a base (110), a driver (130) mounted to pivot in the base (110) between two stable positions to bring a movable contact element into contact or out of contact with a fixed contact element, and a compressible element (160) about a compression axis; the compressible element is adapted to be inactive with respect to the driver (130), to leave the driver (130) free to take either of the two stable positions, and to be received between a bearing surface (152) and the driver (130) and constrained against the driver (130), to force the driver (130) to take only one of the two stable positions.The bearing surface (152) is formed on a movable part (150), along the compression axis, relative to the base (110) between a position distant from the driver (130), in which the compressible element (160) is inactive with respect to the driver (130), and a bearing position, in which the compressible element (160) is constrained between the bearing surface (152) and the driver (130).