Electric Switch Branching Arm Layout for Contact-Free Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switches for household appliances, such as cookers, face challenges in efficiently multiplexing electrical signals to control multiple loads using a single control knob, often resulting in contact issues between branching arms and other switch terminals.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a branching piece with a terminal holding part and at least two branching arms that are positioned higher than the switch terminals, allowing for multiplexing of electrical signals without contacting adjacent terminals, with the arms potentially in the same or different planes, and featuring various geometric configurations and hinge mechanisms for adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If branching arms are added to multiplex electrical signals, then the ability to control multiple loads with a single control knob is improved, but the risk of contact between branching arms and adjacent switch terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The branching arms are positioned at a higher point than the switch terminals, transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This vertical separation in the Z-dimension prevents contact between the branching arms and adjacent switch terminals while maintaining the multiplexing function of controlling multiple loads through a single control knob.
Solution Approach 2:
The branching piece acts as an intermediary component between the switch terminals and the loads. It provides a dedicated structure with terminal holding parts and branching arms that safely distributes electrical signals without direct contact between the branching arms and adjacent terminals, thus mediating the connection while preventing harmful interactions.
2Reliability
If branching arms are positioned higher than switch terminals, then contact between branching arms and adjacent terminals is prevented, but the complexity of the branching piece structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal holding part and the branching arms are merged into a single integrated branching piece structure. This consolidation provides contact isolation by positioning branching arms higher than terminals while avoiding the need for separate isolation components, thus reducing overall system complexity despite the three-dimensional arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If branching arms are made adjustable with hinge mechanisms, then the ease of assembly and cable routing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The branching arms are designed with hinge mechanisms that allow them to move between different positions. This dynamic capability enables easier assembly and cable routing by allowing the branching arms to be positioned during installation and then fixed in place, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular an oven with a switch comprising a branching piece (40) having a terminal holding part (43) which provides connection to a switch output terminal (33); at least two branching arms (41, 42) whereon the electrical cables arriving to the related loads are connected in order to multiplex the electrical signal exiting the input terminal (31) of the switch. Said branching piece is characterized in that said at least two branching arms (41, 42) are at a higher point than the switch terminals (33).