Controllable Time Switch With Warped Plate Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional time switches face issues with unstable performance, poor hand feeling, and difficult replacement due to complex structure designs, which complicate manufacturing and assembly, leading to interference with other appliance components and scattered accessories.
Innovation Solution
A controllable time switch design featuring a switch housing, control circuit board, input and output terminals, a connecting piece, warped plate, first spring, and electromagnet, where the control circuit board powers the electromagnet to control the warped plate, which bends the spring and drives the connecting piece to sway, causing the terminals to close and open, allowing for adjustable timing without the need for a rotating shaft on the appliance's mounting bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating shaft is inserted into rotating shaft holes to realize pulling action of the ship-shaped button, then the button operation is enabled, but the structure becomes complex and interferes with other appliance components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotating shaft from the time switch assembly itself, eliminating the need for rotating shaft holes in the appliance panel. The time switch is designed to operate without this external rotating shaft connection, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing interference with other components while maintaining button operation functionality through an alternative internal mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturers design a switch mounting bracket with rotating shaft on the panel, then the time switch can be mounted, but manufacturing and assembling become troublesome and mold design is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotating shaft requirement from the mounting structure, allowing the time switch to be installed directly on the appliance panel without a specialized bracket containing a rotating shaft. This extraction of the rotating shaft element simplifies both the mounting bracket design and the overall assembly process, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to be universal and adaptable to different appliance panels without requiring specific rotating shaft features. The bracket provides versatile mounting capabilities through alternative fixation methods, making it applicable to various appliance types while simplifying mold design and manufacturing processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the time switch is designed as an independent module, then it can be supplied as a finished switch, but accessories become scattered and assembly is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components including the time switch module, mounting bracket, and connecting elements into a more integrated assembly. This merging reduces the scattering of accessories and improves assembly stability by ensuring better coordination between components while still allowing the time switch to be supplied as a finished module.
4Ease of operation
If the ship-shaped button is used for timing adjustment, then the timing function is achieved, but the button is single and replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the button as a replaceable component that can be easily swapped out. The button structure is simplified to allow for cost-effective manufacturing and easy replacement, treating it as a consumable or easily replaceable part rather than a permanent integrated component, thereby improving repairability.
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 simplifies the assembly and installation process, reduces mold design complexity, and allows for easy installation on various appliances, providing a reliable and convenient timing function with adjustable turn-off times, while also preventing short circuits with a waterproof rubber ring.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet; the control circuit board is configured to control the electromagnet to be powered on according to a turn-off time preset by the control circuit board; the electromagnet is configured to push the warped plate
Implementation Method 2
the first spring is provided between the warped plate and the connecting piece to enable the warped plate to sway around the rotating shaft and drive the connecting piece to sway
Data Source
AI summary
A time switch of controllable time adjustment, including a switch housing, a control circuit board, an input terminal, an output terminal, a connecting piece, a first spring, a warped plate, and an electromagnet. The control circuit board is arranged inside the switch housing and electrically connected to the electromagnet and the output terminal. The control circuit board is configured to control the electromagnet to be powered on according to a turn-off time preset by the control circuit board. The first spring is provided between the warped plate and the connecting piece to enable the warped plate to sway around the rotating shaft and drive the connecting piece to sway. The connecting piece is configured to connect the input terminal and the output terminal. The swaying of the connecting piece causes the input terminal and the output terminal to complete closing and opening.