Switch Mechanism for Reliable Data Processing Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switches with reset functions fail to maintain a power supply ON state during data processing, leading to data loss or hardware damage when the power supply is turned OFF prematurely, especially when the user manually operates the switch while data is being written to a hard disk.

Innovation Solution

A switch design incorporating a state holding member, return spring, and a power supply switch mechanism that maintains the power supply ON state until data processing is completed, using a state holding member to regulate the return spring and ensure the power supply remains ON even after the operating element is manually turned OFF, and automatically turns OFF the power supply only after data processing is finished.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power supply switch mechanism turns OFF immediately when the operating element is manually OFF operated, then the switch structure is simple, but the data protection reliability deteriorates because the power supply is turned OFF before data writing is completed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protection reliabilityVSAvoidswitch structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is configured to determine whether data writing is completed before allowing the power supply to turn OFF. This preliminary check ensures that data protection is maintained while still enabling automatic shutdown functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliability and automation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A state holding member is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that maintains the power supply ON state even after the operating element is released. This intermediary component decouples the immediate mechanical action from the power supply state, allowing data writing to complete before shutdown, thus improving reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the power supply is maintained ON until data processing is completed, then data protection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user cannot immediately turn OFF the power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata safetyVSAvoidpower supply control responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages the power supply shutdown process by monitoring data writing completion status. The control unit self-determines when it is safe to turn OFF the power supply, eliminating the need for user intervention while ensuring data safety, thus resolving the contradiction between automated protection and user control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the operating element can be freely operated after initial ON operation, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because inadvertent re-operation may occur causing data loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protection consistencyVSAvoidoperating element flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operating characteristics of the operating element are dynamically changed based on the power supply state. When the power supply is ON, the operating element responds to user input. When the power supply is OFF, the operating element becomes unresponsive to further input. This dynamic behavior prevents inadvertent re-operation while maintaining usability during active operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures reliable data management by maintaining the power supply ON state until data processing is complete, preventing data loss and hardware issues, and allowing for safe shutdown after data is saved, even if the operating element is inadvertently re-operated.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring for biasing the operating element in a direction operated to the other side in which the operating element is OFF operated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2413340B1Switch and electronic device
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 OMRON CORP
  • EP2413340B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2413340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2413340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention provides a highly reliable switch for maintaining a power supply ON state until data processing in a device is completed even if an operating element is manually ON operated to operate the device to be used and then the operating element is manually OFF operated with the stopping of the operation, and automatically turning OFF the power supply after the data processing is completed, and an electronic device. A switch is provided in which a rotation operating body (130) that does not receive an operation force from an operating element (120) when OFF operated is arranged inside the operating element (120), the rotation operating body (130) including a switch operating portion (132, 133) for turning ON a power supply switch mechanism (140) and a return spring regulating piece (134) for biasing a return spring (160) in an anti-biasing direction, where a regulating state of the return spring (160) regulated by the return spring regulating piece (134) is held, the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism (140) is held With a permanent magnet (173), and the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism (140) is released by applying a release force on the permanent magnet (173) when the power supply is reset.