Normally Open Switch Locking Blade for Storage Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric switch assemblies of the normally open type face issues with maintaining the switch in a closed state during storage and before first use, as they can temporarily or intermittently transition to a free open state without load, leading to potential operational failures.

Innovation Solution

The assembly incorporates a locking device for the control blade that maintains the actuating branch from urging the trigger member in its open state during initial delivery, with a retractable locking tongue and a beak for unlocking, allowing the control blade to pivot and maintain the switch in a free open state upon actuation, ensuring the switch remains open until a sufficient force is applied to change its state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuating branch is designed to urge the trigger member in the absence of actuating force, then the switch can be activated during use, but the switch may temporarily transition to open state during storage and before first use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch activationVSAvoidswitch state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is pre-configured in a locked position during manufacturing, preventing the control blade from pivoting and maintaining the actuating branch in a neutral position that does not urge the trigger member, thus ensuring stability during storage and transport before first use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the control blade is locked in an initial delivery position, then the switch remains stable during storage, but the locking device adds structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch state stabilityVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is integrated into the control blade structure itself, with the locking tongue and beak forming part of the control blade assembly, thereby providing the locking function without adding separate independent components and minimizing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking tongue automatically engages with the control blade's initial position through elastic deformation, and the actuating member's movement automatically triggers the unlocking sequence via the beak, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or additional control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures the electric switch remains in a reliable free open state during storage and initial use, preventing unintended changes in state and ensuring consistent operation upon activation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable blade for controlling the change of state of the electric switch in response to the application of a force of actuation on the control blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the assembly comprises a locking device for the control blade in an initial delivery position of the assembly in which the actuating branch does not urge the triggering member of the electrical switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3772074B1Assembly comprising a normally open electric switch and a blade for controlling its change of state that keeps it closed when non-operative
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 C&K COMPONENTS SAS
  • EP3772074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3772074B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3772074B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention proposes an assembly (10) comprising an electrical switch (12) and an elastically deformable blade (14) for controlling the change of state of its triggering member (24), in which the control blade (14) comprises a fixing arm (B3), an actuating arm which, in the absence of application of an actuating force, urges the triggering member (24) in the closing direction of the electrical switch (12), and a control arm (B1) which can pivot about an axis (P) to cause a tilting of the actuating arm (B2) against its elasticity to maintain the electrical switch (12) in a free open state,characterized in that the assembly (10) comprises a device (70) for locking the control blade (14) in an initial delivery position of the assembly (10) in which the actuating arm (B2) does not arouse the tripping member (24) of the electrical switch (12), which is in its open state. The unlocking of the control blade (14) is triggered automatically upon the first application of an actuating force to the control blade (14).