Switch Device Rotary Drive Plate Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switch devices with normally closed or open contact configurations are prone to erroneous operation when subjected to impact forces, leading to unintended opening or closing of contacts, compromising operation reliability.

Innovation Solution

The switch device incorporates a rotary drive plate with a cam piece and return spring, along with an engagement mechanism, allowing the opening-closing contact mechanism to be set to a determined state based on the attachment and detachment of the operation unit, ensuring that contacts remain stable even under impact, and includes a biased contact spring to maintain the correct opening-closing state during standby.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the opening-closing contact mechanism uses a contact spring to bias contacts in the direction of the opening-closing state at the time of operation, then the contacts can be reliably maintained in their intended state, but the device becomes prone to erroneous operation when subjected to impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact state stabilityVSAvoidimpact-induced erroneous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cam piece is designed to preliminarily counteract impact forces before they can cause erroneous contact operation. When an impact occurs, the cam piece's geometric shape and positioning prevent the contact shaft from moving in a direction that would incorrectly change the contact state, thus preventing harmful effects before they manifest

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The cam piece acts as an intermediary element between the contact shaft and the force applied during operation. It mediates the transmission of force by converting axial movement into rotational movement, and simultaneously filters out harmful impact forces that could cause erroneous operation while allowing intentional operational forces to pass through

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the switch unit is configured to be separable from the operation unit, then the device becomes more adaptable and easier to install/maintain, but the complexity of the engagement mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular configurabilityVSAvoidengagement mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch device is segmented into two independent units: the operation unit and the switch unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be designed, manufactured, and maintained independently, improving adaptability while the engagement mechanism uses simple corresponding protrusions and grooves to maintain connection when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism between the operation unit and switch unit is designed with universal features - the guide grooves and engagement protrusions serve multiple functions: guiding alignment during attachment, securing the connection during operation, and enabling controlled detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function

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

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 configuration enhances operation reliability by preventing erroneous operations due to impact, ensuring that the switch device maintains its intended state, whether normally closed or open, thereby improving safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring that returns the rotary drive plate from the usage position to the standby position when the switch unit is separated from the operation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the movable contacts of the opening-closing contact mechanism are biased at all times by a contact spring in a direction of assuming an opening-closing state at the time when the operation unit is in the standby state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3217414B1Switch device
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYST CO LTD
  • EP3217414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3217414B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3217414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a switch device with high operation reliability in which an opening-closing contact portion is not erroneously opened or closed even when an external impact is applied. A switch unit, which is configured to be separable from an operation unit, is provided with a rotary drive plate, which rotates between a standby position and a usage position, drives an opening-closing contact mechanism of the switch unit in the standby position to assume an opening-closing state at the time the operation unit is at an operation position, and drives the opening-closing contact mechanism in the usage position to assume an opening-closing state at the time the operation unit is at a standby position. The operation unit is provided with an engagement portion that is engaged with the rotary drive plate when the operation unit is joined and attached to the switch unit and rotary-drives the rotary drive plate from the standby position to the usage position. The opening-closing contact mechanism is set to a predetermined opening-closing state by detaching/attaching the operation unit from/to the switch unit.