External Switch Position Feedback Module Using Shaft-Coupled Microswitches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switches lack a simple and cost-effective method to monitor and feedback the working state of their internal circuits in real time, as direct internal wiring is complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An external position feedback module that includes a housing, microswitches, a rotation component connected to the main shaft of the electrical switch, and connection terminals for transmitting feedback information, allowing the module to monitor and reflect the rotation of the main shaft and the on/off state of the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct wiring is used to monitor the internal circuit of the electrical switch, then the monitoring function is achieved, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external position feedback module as an intermediary device that couples to the main shaft of the electrical switch. This module contains microswitches and rotation components that indirectly detect the circuit state without requiring direct internal wiring, thereby achieving monitoring while reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is segmented into separate modular components: the external position feedback module is detached from the electrical switch body and can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be added without complicating the internal structure of the switch
2Reliability
If direct wiring is used to monitor the internal circuit of the electrical switch, then the monitoring function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external position feedback module serves as a cost-effective intermediary that provides monitoring functionality without requiring expensive direct internal wiring modifications. The module uses simple mechanical components like microswitches and rotation elements that are inexpensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the internal circuit state detection mechanism in the external module. Instead of wiring directly into the complex internal circuitry, the external module replicates the state detection function using simpler, cheaper mechanical components
3Measurement precision
If the rotation component is designed to trigger multiple microswitches at different positions, then the position feedback precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation component is designed with a dynamic outer contour that automatically engages different microswitches at different rotational positions. This dynamic geometry allows a single rotating element to provide multi-position feedback without requiring multiple independent actuators or complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple position detection functions are merged into a single rotation component that triggers different microswitches based on its rotational position. This combining of functions reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining high position feedback precision
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
Enables real-time monitoring and feedback of the electrical switch's internal circuit state from outside the switch, simplifying installation and reducing costs while providing accurate position feedback through the rotation component's positions.
Implementation Method 1
an outer contour of the main body pushes the first slider and/or the second slider to trigger the first microswitch and the second microswitch respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
An external position feedback module 1 for an electrical switch comprising a housing 10; a first microswitch 100 and a second microswitch 200, fixed inside the housing, and the first microswitch and the second microswitch being able to be triggered and released respectively; a rotation component 300, rotatably installed to the housing, including a main body 310 accommodated in the housing and a mating protrusion 320 extending from the main body and protruding out of an outer surface of a first side of the housing, wherein the mating protrusion 320 is configured to be coupled to a main shaft of the electrical switch so that the rotation component 300 is able to rotate together with a rotation of the main shaft, and an outer contour of the main body 310is configured to trigger the first microswitch 100 and/or the second microswitch 200; and connection terminals 400, formed on the first microswitch and the second microswitch, and configured to be connected with an external device to transmit position feedback information.