Hinged cradle-microswitch arrangement maintains a soldering iron at less than peak temperature when not in use. The microswitch introduces a voltage reducing element into the soldering iron power circuit when the iron is placed on the cradle. The iron, when removed from the cradle, returns to operating temperature in 15 to 30 seconds

Lum, J. Y.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Cradle 
Hinge	 —.-
Cradle 
/	
Power 
Switch 
Variable 
Transformer
A	
/ 
Not 
001 
Ma y
 1966	 Brief 66-10203 
NASA TECH BRIEF
	 G 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Soldering Iron Temperature Is Automatically Reduced 
The problem: 
To design an automatic, inexpensive, and reliable 
means of maintaining a soldering iron at less than 
peak temperature when not in use. The iron must be 
returned to operating temperature without undue de-
lay. 
The solution: 
A hinged cradle-microswitch arrangement that in-
troduces a voltage reducing element into the soldering 
iron power circuit when the iron is placed on the 
cradle.
How it's done: 
The soldering iron cradle is hinged at one end, free 
at the other, and its center is poised on the actuating 
rod of a single-pole, double-throw microswitch. The 
cradle weight distribution is such that the microswitch 
spring tension supports the empty cradle with the 
switch connecting the soldering iron to the power 
source directly. When the soldering iron is placed on 
the cradle, the added weight overcomes the micro-
switch spring tension and moves the switch contact 
to connect the soldering iron to the power source 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liabilit y
 resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000202 2020-03-11T17:31:35+00:00Z
through a variable transformer that can be set to 
reduce power to the iron by any desired amount. 
When the soldering iron is lifted from the cradle, 
spring tension moves the microswitch contact to again 
connect the iron to the power source directly. 
Notes: 
I. A less expensive variation would use a series of 
fixed resistors and a selector switch in place of the 
variable transformer. 
2. Recovery time from standby temperature to oper-
ating temperature is on the order of 15 to 30 sec-
onds.
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California, 94035 
Reference: B66-10203 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C., 20546.
Source: John Y. Lum 
(ARC-57)
. 
S 
Brief 66-10203 Category 01


Soldering iron temperature is automatically reduced

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