In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology has seen significant advancements, particularly in areas like imaging technology, flight stability, and battery life. These improvements have led to the widespread use of drones in various fields such as military, agriculture, logistics, photography, and surveillance. The operation of drones has also become simpler and more enjoyable, attracting a growing number of consumers. Due to the high demands for precision and stability in drone control systems, selecting the right internal components, such as micro switches, is critical. This article will explore the application of the KW12 micro switch in drones, covering its working principles, application scenarios, and advantages.
I. Application Scenarios of Subminiature Micro Switch KW12 in Drones
Drones operate based on aerodynamics, generating lift through propellers and being powered by electric motors. The flight controller processes data from sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers to adjust the drone’s attitude and direction. GPS modules provide positioning and navigation, ensuring path planning and automatic return. drones rely on wireless communication to interact with ground controllers, transmitting control commands and video data in real-time. Various sensors work together to ensure flight stability and accurate task execution, allowing drones to fly autonomously or under operator control. Within the complex control systems of drones, the KW12 micro switch stands out for its high sensitivity, reliability, and multifunctionality. It plays a crucial role in several drone applications, such as landing gear control, camera gimbal adjustment, power system protection, and attitude control.
1. Landing Gear Control System
Application Scenario: In the landing gear control system of drones, the KW12 micro switch is used to detect the deployment and retraction status of the landing gear, ensuring its correct position during flight and landing.
Function: When the landing gear is fully deployed or retracted, the micro switch is triggered, sending a signal to the flight control system to confirm the completion of the action. This signal is crucial for ensuring the safe landing of the drone.
2. Gimbal Control System
Application Scenario: drones are often equipped with camera gimbals to stabilize and adjust the camera angle. The KW12 micro switch can be used to detect the gimbal’s limit positions, preventing over-rotation and potential mechanical damage.
Function: When the gimbal reaches its preset maximum angle, the KW12 micro switch is triggered, sending a stop signal to the control system to prevent further rotation that could damage the equipment.
3. Power System Safety Protection
Application Scenario: The power system is the core of drone flight, and any malfunction could result in loss of control. The KW12 micro switch can be used for safety protection in the power system, such as triggering a power cut-off during motor overheating or cutting off power in case of abnormal vibrations.
Function: In case of a malfunction, the rapid response of the KW12 micro switch can trigger an emergency landing command, preventing severe accidents.
4. Attitude Control Sensing
Application Scenario: drones require highly accurate sensing systems for real-time attitude monitoring. The KW12 micro switch can be used as an auxiliary sensor, detecting physical state changes in specific drone attitudes and providing real-time feedback to the control system.
Function: During flight, drones need to adjust their attitude to maintain stability. The KW12 micro switch can detect changes in the drone’s attitude, such as tilting or rolling, and trigger corresponding control commands to ensure precise attitude control.
II. Advantages of KW12 Micro Switches in Drone Applications
The application of the KW12 micro switch in drones not only enhances the reliability and safety of the equipment but also supports precise control in complex systems. The following are its main advantages in drone applications:
1. High Precision and Stability:
The KW12 micro switch features extremely high actuation precision, enabling rapid response within a very short travel distance, ensuring accuracy in drone control systems. This is particularly crucial for drone components requiring precise positioning and detection.
2. Miniaturization and Lightweight Design:
The compact design of the KW12 micro switch (19.8×6.4×10.6mm) makes it ideal for drones, where weight and space are critical considerations. Its small size not only saves internal space but also reduces the overall weight of the drone, enhancing flight performance.
3. High Reliability and Durability:
drones are often subjected to various vibrations and shocks during flight. Therefore, as a crucial component of drones, the KW12 micro switch must possess strong vibration and shock resistance. Kangerle’s KW12 micro switch features drive elements and snap springs made from high-quality imported metal materials, ensuring stable performance in environments with vibrations and shocks. The switch housing is made from high-temperature, corrosion-resistant plastic materials, offering high hardness and strength to resist external impacts and pressure. Kangerle uses premium materials and precise manufacturing processes to ensure that the KW12 micro switch has long-lasting durability and high reliability, capable of enduring prolonged use in different environments, thereby reducing the maintenance frequency and cost of drones.
III. KW12 Micro Switch Models Suitable for Drones
The KW12 micro switch is a small, highly responsive electronic switch based on mechanical contact points that either close or open circuits. When external force is applied to the button, the internal mechanical structure rapidly moves, resulting in the circuit being connected or disconnected. The core components of the KW12 micro switch include:
1. Housing: Protects the internal components and prevents external environmental factors from affecting the switch’s performance.
2. Button: Triggers the internal mechanism through mechanical movement.
3. Contact System: Made of conductive materials, responsible for circuit connection and disconnection.
4. Spring Mechanism: Provides a reset function, automatically returning the switch to its initial state after the external force is removed.
Kangerle’s KW12 micro switch series offers various models tailored to different designs and functional requirements, with options in structure, shape, wiring methods, contact materials, and rated parameters. Currently, the KW12-5A-2A and KW12-5C-A micro switches are primarily used to detect the position of drone landing gear. When the landing gear is retracted or deployed, the micro switch triggers the corresponding signal to control the drone’s flight status and safety protection. In addition to the KW12 series, Kangerle’s KW1 series waterproof micro switches and KW2 series waterproof micro switches, with their compact size, IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, high-temperature resistance, shock resistance, and corrosion resistance, are also suitable for the harsh working environments of drones.
IV. Drone Micro Switch Manufacturer
Founded in 1993 and located in Shifan Street, Yueqing City, Zhejiang Province, Kangerle Electronics Co., Ltd. covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. As a professional switch manufacturer with 30 years of experience, Kangerle has extensive technical expertise in the production and research of micro switches.
Kangerle’s micro switches are made from high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring high reliability and long lifespan in precision equipment like drones. The company is certified with ISO9001 and IATF16949 quality management systems, and its products have obtained international certifications such as UL, TUV, CE, CB, CQC, and RoHS, meeting strict quality and safety standards. Besides drones, Kangerle micro switches are widely used in household appliances, automotive parts, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, medical devices, and more. The company has a professional technical team that continuously improves and innovates the design of micro switches to meet the rapidly evolving demands of various industries. Additionally, Kangerle offers flexible OEM/ODM customization services to provide tailored solutions based on customer needs, ensuring optimal product performance in applications. Kangerle micro switches, with their exceptional performance and reliability, have earned the trust and recognition of numerous drone manufacturers. Visit the company’s official website for more information: https://www.kel-switch.com/.