High reliability solenoid switch
AssigneeAllied Corporation
InventorsPeter J. Caruso, Robert R. Townsend
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fail-safe solenoid switching mechanism (11) uses a reciprocating switch (15) to establish make-or-break connections. In order to increase the effective life of shorting bars on the switch, the switch's reciprocating part 23 is rotated by a ratcheting mechanism each time the switch (15) is cycled. Advantages include enhanced reliability, even when the switching mechanism (11) sees extended quiescant periods between operations.
Claims14
Switching assembly having at at least one make-or-break connection, which is switchable between a first status and a second status in response to electrical signals, characterized by:
- (a) switch operator means;
- (b) a slideable contact carrier, the status of the make-or-break connection being controlled by a reciprocal movement of the contact carrier, the contact carrier being connected to the switch operator means so that a force from the switch operator means biases the contact carrier to effect said movement;
- (c) the contact carrier having at least one shorting bar to establish said make-or-break connection, the shorting bar having a circular cross-section;
- (d) a ratcheting mechanism connected to the contact carrier and responsive to the reciprocal movement of the contact carrier;
- and
- (e) the ratcheting means including means to cause the contact carrier to be rotated by a predetermined amount for each complete reciprocal movement of the contact carrier.
Switching assembly having at least one make-or-break connection, which is switchable between a first status and a second status in response to electrical signals, characterized by:
- (a) solenoid means providing force in response to the electrical signals;
- (b) a moveable switch armature, the status of the make-or-break connection being controlled by a reciprocal movement of the switch armature, the switch armature being connected to the solenoid means so that the force from the solenoid biases the armature to effect said movement when the solenoid responds to said electrical signals;
- (c) the switch armature having at least one shorting bar to establish said make-or-break connection, the shorting bar having a circular cross-section;
- (d) a ratcheting mechanism connected to the switch armature and responsive to the reciprocal movement of the switch armature;
- and
- (e) the ratcheting means including means to cause the switch armature to be rotated by a predetermined amount for each complete reciprocal movement of the switch armature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.