Toggle Switch Integrated Moulded Sealing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toggle switch sealing solutions are complex and require separate O-ring type seals to prevent moisture and contaminants from passing through panel holes, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated moulded upper sealing ring on the cover of the toggle switch, extending through holes in the cover plate, connects to a lower sealing ring to provide a comprehensive sealing mechanism between the cover and panel, simplifying the sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate O-ring type seals are used to seal panel holes, then moisture and contaminants are prevented from passing through, but the sealing arrangement becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the panel seal and the bushing seal into a single integrated O-ring seal that seals both the panel opening and the bushing. This merging of sealing functions eliminates the need for separate O-ring seals, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive sealing effectiveness against moisture and contaminants.
2Reliability
If multiple separate sealing components are used, then comprehensive sealing is achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated O-ring seal performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously - sealing the panel opening and sealing the bushing. This eliminates the need to install and position multiple separate sealing components, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity while ensuring complete sealing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring seal is designed with different functional zones or segments along its length - one portion seals the panel opening while another portion seals the bushing. This segmentation of sealing functions within a single component allows comprehensive sealing without requiring multiple separate parts.
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 integrated sealing solution effectively seals the panel holes, preventing moisture and contaminants while reducing the complexity of the sealing arrangement, ensuring a reliable and efficient sealing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
moulded resilient sealing means comprising an upper closed sealing ring surrounding the bushing and extending on a portion of the upper surface of the cover
Implementation Method 2
a nut screwed on the threaded bushing for pressing the upper closed sealing ring between a portion of a lower surface of the panel and said portion of an upper surface of the cover
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a toggle switch (10) comprising a hollow base (14) accommodating a switch mechanism, a cover (16), a bushing (30) extending from the cover (12), a toggle lever (42), one piece moulded resilient sealing means (60) comprising a lever seal (62) surrounding the toggle lever (42, 46) and covering the inner wall (32, 33) of the bushing (30) for sealing the space between the toggle lever (42, 46) and the bushing (30), a cover seal (76) forming a lower closed sealing ring compressed between the cover (16, 18) and the hollow base for sealing the cover to the base, characterised in that the one piece moulded resilient sealing means (60) comprises an upper closed sealing ring (80) surrounding the bushing (30) and extending on a portion of the upper surface (22) of the cover (16) for cooperating with a panel for mounting the switch.