Threaded Membrane Pressure Switch Assembly With Fewer Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane pressure switches have complex designs with multiple parts, making them difficult to assemble and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified membrane pressure switch design featuring a housing with a deformable membrane and a mushroom-shaped thrust element that moves to actuate a microswitch upon pressure application, utilizing a fixing disk with an external thread for assembly and a microswitch connected to a printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a typical membrane pressure switch design is used, then the switching function is achieved, but the number of parts is large and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into integrated structures. The fixing disk integrates the microswitch mounting, sealing, and positioning functions into a single component. The membrane assembly integrates the diaphragm, sealing elements, and thrust element into a unified structure, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing disk serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between the housing and microswitch, acts as a mounting platform for the microswitch, provides structural support, and enables threaded attachment to the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts are used in the pressure switch, then the switching function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functions into fewer components (such as the integrating fixing disk and membrane assembly), the patent reduces manufacturing complexity, assembly steps, and overall production costs while preserving the essential switching operation through carefully designed integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters and material properties of the integrated components to ensure reliable switching operation. The membrane thickness, thrust element geometry, and fixing disk dimensions are designed to provide the necessary mechanical advantage and sealing force with fewer parts.
3Ease of operation
If a complex design with multiple parts is used, then the switching function is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure switch into logical segments or modules: the membrane assembly (including diaphragm and thrust element), the fixing disk with microswitch, and the housing. These segments can be prepared separately and then assembled in a straightforward sequence, simplifying the assembly process despite the functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple functions into integrated components like the fixing disk and membrane assembly, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. Fewer parts mean fewer assembly operations, less alignment work, and simplified fastening procedures, making the overall assembly process easier despite the sophisticated switching function.
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 reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, lowers manufacturing costs, and results in a more cost-effective and easier-to-operate pressure switch.
Implementation Method 1
If pressure is applied to the membrane, for example by a pressurized fluid, the membrane deforms and presses on the mushroom shaped thrust element
Implementation Method 2
the membrane deforms and presses on the mushroom shaped thrust element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a membrane pressure switch (1) comprising a housing (2), in which a deformable membrane (3) is arranged, against which a mushroom shaped thrust element (4) abuts, which is movable by the deformation of the membrane (3); and a microswitch (5), which is arranged in the housing (2) opposite the mushroom shaped thrust element (4) by means of a fixing disk (6), wherein the fixing disk (6) is provided with an external thread (7), which is screwed into an internal thread (8) of the housing (2) in the mounted state of the fixing disk (6).