Wiring Device Contact Dampening Bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical wiring devices, such as toggle switches, generate noise due to the impact and vibrations between movable and stationary contacts, which is amplified by the device housing, leading to unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wiring device with a housing and a toggle assembly that includes a dampening member, such as a bumper pad or bumper cap, positioned to absorb vibrations and reduce noise when the movable contact engages with the stationary contacts, utilizing materials like rubber or silicon for effective dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional wiring device housing is used, then structural support is provided, but noise is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
A dampening member is introduced as an intermediary element between the stationary contact and the housing. This mediator absorbs and dissipates vibration energy through its material properties (rubber, silicone, or foam), preventing the housing from amplifying contact noise while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise amplification function is extracted from the housing by introducing a separate dampening member. The housing retains its structural support function while the dampening member specifically addresses the noise amplification issue, allowing the housing to not actively amplify noise.
2Reliability
If movable contact directly contacts stationary contact, then electrical connection is established, but impact noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening member is positioned in advance between the stationary contact and the housing to cushion the impact before it propagates. This prior cushioning reduces the shock and vibration generated during contact engagement, thereby reducing impact noise while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening member serves as an intermediary that allows the electrical connection to be established while simultaneously absorbing the impact energy. It mediates between the need for direct contact (reliability) and the need to reduce impact (noise reduction).
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
The solution significantly reduces noise associated with the contact mating by absorbing vibrations, resulting in a quieter operation of the electrical wiring devices.
Implementation Method 1
a dampening member having a first side and a second side. The dampening member is disposed against one of the plurality of walls of the housing on the first side, and an edge of the first stationary contact is in contact with the dampening member on the second side
Implementation Method 2
utilizing materials like rubber or silicon for effective dampening
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical wiring device includes dampening member placed in contact with a stationary contact. The dampening member absorbs and thus decreases at least a portion of the vibration that occurs in the stationary contact when it is impacted by a movable contact in the electrical wiring device. Thus, the noise associated with the impact is lessened. In certain exemplary embodiments, the dampening member is a bumper cap which partially encases a portion of the stationary contact. In certain exemplary embodiments, the dampening member is a bumper pad intimately disposed between an edge of the stationary contact and a wall of the housing, such that movement or vibration of the stationary contact is lessened.