Electric Switch Control Module Assembly With Nested Add-On Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control module assemblies for electric switches have a larger depth dimension due to the add-on accessory control shaft, which increases the overall size of the electric switch, violating electrical safety regulations by allowing intermediate conductive states and requiring an indirect drive system.
Innovation Solution
A control module assembly with a bottom recess in the body part to accommodate the add-on, utilizing an accessory control shaft and transmission means, such as gears, to transfer torque to the main control shaft, maintaining the same depth dimension as the control module without the add-on, ensuring compliance with safety regulations by preventing intermediate conductive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an add-on with accessory control shaft is provided to enable operation from side direction, then the control module assembly can be operated from multiple directions, but the depth dimension of the control module assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on is nested within the body part by receiving it in a bottom recess of the control module. The accessory control shaft is positioned within the spatial envelope of the control module assembly, allowing multi-directional operation without increasing the overall depth dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the accessory control shaft in the depth direction, the invention positions it in the width direction, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the add-on to be integrated without increasing the depth dimension while still enabling side-direction operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the add-on increases the depth dimension, then the accessory control shaft can be properly positioned, but the total dimension of the electric switch in the depth direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on is nested within the body part by receiving it in a bottom recess of the control module. The accessory control shaft is positioned within the spatial envelope of the control module assembly, allowing multi-directional operation without increasing the overall depth dimension.
3Ease of operation
If the accessory control shaft extends parallel to the operating shaft, then torque can be transferred to the main control shaft, but the depth dimension must be increased to accommodate the add-on
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the accessory control shaft in the depth direction, the invention positions it in the width direction, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the add-on to be integrated without increasing the depth dimension while still enabling side-direction operation.
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 reduces the depth dimension of the control module assembly, maintaining safety compliance while allowing for efficient operation of the electric switch without increasing the overall size, ensuring the add-on does not extend beyond the control module dimensions in the depth direction.
Implementation Method 1
transmission means for transferring torque from the accessory control shaft to a bottom part of the main control shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
A control module for an electric switch comprising: a body part (2), a main control shaft (4), an operating shaft (6) and a drive system operationally connecting the main control shaft (4) to the operating shaft (6) such that the operating shaft (6) is adapted to be rotated by the main control shaft (4). Rotation axes of the main control shaft (4) and operating shaft (6) are perpendicular to each other. The body part (2) comprises a first side wall (21), a second side wall (22), a top wall (23) and a bottom wall (24). The bottom wall (24) is provided with a bottom recess (8) adapted to receive a portion of an add-on (3), a bottom part (44) of the main control shaft (4) being accessible through the bottom recess (8).