Switch Device Extension Spring Segmentation Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices with extension springs face reliability issues due to high wear in latching parts and instability in contact switching, as the spring constant must be high to ensure rapid operation, leading to impaired energization paths and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
A switch device design featuring a substrate with fixed conductors and movable contacts, using extension coil springs that are independently latched between a fulcrum conductor plate and an operation conductor plate, allowing for shared operating force and reduced spring constants, thereby minimizing wear and stabilizing the energization paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring constant of the extension spring is made high to ensure rapid and reliable operation of the first driving member, then the switching speed and reliability are improved, but wear is easily caused by the latching parts between the extension spring and the driving members
Solution Approach 1:
The single extension spring is divided into multiple extension springs (first extension spring and second extension spring). Each spring connects to different latching parts, distributing the mechanical stress and wear across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it in a single latching mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable switching while reducing wear on individual latching parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant is distributed across multiple springs rather than concentrated in one. By using multiple extension springs with lower individual spring constants, the system achieves the same overall elastic force while reducing the wear on each latching part. The total elastic force is maintained through the combined effect of multiple springs.
2Speed
If the spring constant is made high to rapidly operate the first driving member, then the switching speed is improved, but the reliability of the energization path is impaired due to severe wear
Solution Approach 1:
The energization path is segmented into multiple parallel paths through the use of multiple extension springs. Each spring provides an independent energization route, so wear in one path does not compromise the entire system. The plurality of extension springs are configured to provide redundant energization paths, maintaining reliability even as individual components wear.
3Ease of operation
If the abutment parts are located farther from the fulcrum to enable contact sliding, then the switching function is achieved, but a large driving force is required making operation unstable and increasing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of multiple extension springs working together to provide the necessary driving force. Rather than relying on a single spring or a large force from one source, multiple springs combine their elastic forces to achieve the required driving force more efficiently and with greater stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration parameters of the extension springs are optimized to provide sufficient driving force without requiring excessive force. By adjusting the spring constants, numbers of springs, and their arrangement, the system achieves stable operation with appropriate driving force levels.
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 design enhances the reliability and stability of contact switching, reduces operational load, and improves the efficiency of force transmission, ensuring stable and rapid operation of movable contacts.
Implementation Method 1
one end of each of the extension coil springs is latched to the tip side of the operation conductor plate, and the other end of each of the extension coil springs is latched to the independent conductor plate
Data Source
AI summary
If an operating body 50 is pushed, an operation conductor plate 30 is turned by the operating body 50. Turning forces are applied to an independent conductor plate 23 of a switching movable part 20 via two extension coil springs 41 and 42, and the switching movable part 20 is turned. The switching movable part 20 is provided with movable contacts 24, 25, and 26, and the movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 slide against the sliding parts 17a, 17b, and 17c due to the turning operation of the switching movable part 20 such that the contacts are switched. Since the two extension coil springs 41 and 42 are used, the operation of the switching movable part 20 is stabilized and the reliability of energization paths are improved.