Switch Contact Arm Structure for NO/NC Mode Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switch devices face issues such as increased manufacturing costs and assembly troubles due to different structural forms of movable contact arms for NO and NC circuits, and susceptibility to material fatigue and reduced lifetime due to improper operation and frequent use.

Innovation Solution

A switch device structure with a movable contact arm having a first and second member with variable arrangement positions, and an elastic unit with a fixed, bent, and free section forming a geometrical configuration, allowing for both NO and NC modes without requiring different structural forms for each, and featuring a displaceable elastic unit to store and release energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different structural forms of movable contact arms are used for NO and NC circuits, then the switch device can achieve both NO and NC modes, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to achieve NO and NC modesVSAvoidstructural forms of movable contact arms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable contact arm is designed with a universal structure that can achieve both NO and NC modes through different positioning of the same component. The contact arm includes a first member and a second member that can be arranged in different configurations (first arrangement form for NO mode, second arrangement form for NC mode), eliminating the need for completely different structural forms for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable contact arm incorporates an elastic unit that enables dynamic reconfiguration between different arrangement forms. The elastic unit allows the second member to be elastically displaced to different positions, transforming the contact arm between NO and NC modes during operation rather than requiring separate static structures for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the elastic unit is designed with bent section and subsidiary bent section, then the elastic force and motional distance are improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelastic force and motional distanceVSAvoidgeometrical configuration of elastic unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic unit is segmented into distinct functional sections: a fixed section for mounting, a bent section for providing elastic force, a bow section for motion amplification, and a free section for contacting the movable contact arm. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic unit utilizes curved geometries including a bent section with a bow shape and a subsidiary bent section to maximize elastic energy storage and motional distance. The curved structures provide superior elastic performance compared to straight configurations, enabling reliable operation under frequent use and improper operation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The solution simplifies manufacturing and assembly, enhances durability by reducing material fatigue, and ensures reliable operation in emergency conditions, extending the device's lifetime.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic unit includes a fixed section, a free section and a bent section connected between the fixed section and the free section... the elastic unit provides an elastic force to push the contact arm of the electrical connection module into a contacting circuit closed state or make the elastic unit separate from the contact arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4177919B1Switch device structure
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SWITCHLAB INC
  • EP4177919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4177919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A switch device structure includes an assembly of a main body (10) and an operation body (20). An electrical connection module (50) and an elastic unit (60) are mounted on the main body (10). The contact arm of the electrical connection module (50) has a first member (56) and/or a second member (57) with variable arrangement position. The elastic unit (60) is disposed on the operation body (20). The elastic unit (60) includes a fixed section (61), a free section (66) and a bent section connected between the fixed section (61) and the free section (66), which together define a geometrical configuration. According to (or in response to) the position or motion of the operation body (20), the elastic unit (60) provides an elastic force to push the contact arm of the electrical connection module (50) into a contacting circuit closed state or make the elastic unit (60) separate from the contact arm to form a circuit open state. The arrangement form of the first member (56) and/or the second member (57) of the contact arm of the electrical connection module (50) is variable in accordance with the specification of the switch to achieve NO mode and NC mode.