Tool-Free Actuator Mounting for Electric Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for fixing actuators to electrical switching devices are cumbersome, requiring tools and not optimized for ease of installation or accessibility, leading to inefficiencies and potential loosening of screws.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a support plate with slots for rod connections and hook-shaped elements, along with a pull tab that ensures secure positioning without tools, allowing for quick and tool-free installation of actuators on the mechanism, maintaining them in place with minimal parts and ensuring ease of access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If actuators are screwed onto the mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the installation requires tools and causes accessibility problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator mounting is divided into two functional parts: a flange portion that provides secure attachment to the mechanism, and a pull tab portion that enables tool-free installation and removal. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pull tab design enables the actuator to be self-installed and self-removed by the user without requiring external tools. The pull tab leverages the user's pulling action to automatically engage or disengage the actuator from the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If actuators are distributed according to dedicated slots, then the architecture is organized, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitecture organizationVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized flange design with consistent mounting features allows the same actuator type to be installed in multiple dedicated slots throughout the circuit breaker assembly. This universal interface simplifies the installation process while maintaining organized architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If traditional flange mounting is used, then the structure is simple, but the actuator positioning stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpositioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flange design incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular mounting hole pattern and an asymmetric pull tab orientation. This asymmetry prevents incorrect installation and ensures proper positioning of the actuator relative to the mechanism, enhancing positioning stability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2444987B1Device for attaching at least one actuator to the mechanism of an electric switchgear and circuit breaker comprising such a device

Publication Date: 2014.04.30 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

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AI summary

The device has positioning units for positioning an actuator (1) on a plate-support (2), and a pull rod (12) movable with respect to the plate-support, where the pull rod is slidingly mounted with respect to the plate-support. A gripping unit (15) allows displacement of the pull rod between an unlocked position in which the actuator is displaced and a locked position in which the pull rod blocks displacement of the actuator so as to ensure its fixing on the plate-support.