Adjustable Coupling Rod for Modular Electrical Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular electrical apparatuses require multiple product variants with different coupling rod lengths to accommodate various module sizes, leading to inflexibility and inefficiencies for both manufacturers and consumers, as a single motor-driven actuation device cannot be used across different polarities of circuit breakers without adequate coverage of the control lever.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical apparatus with a pivotable coupling rod that includes a first and second rod segment, where the second segment can be removably coupled to extend the length, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different modular sizes, ensuring compatibility with unipolar to quadripolar circuit breakers through a locking system and snap locking elements for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple product variants with different coupling rod lengths are produced, then compatibility with different module sizes is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is divided into multiple segments (first rod segment and second rod segment) that can be selectively assembled. The first rod segment is integrated into the actuation device, while the second rod segment can be removably coupled to extend the reach, allowing a single product to serve multiple module configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rod transitions from a fixed-length component to a dynamically adjustable component. The ability to removably couple the second rod segment allows the coupling rod length to be adapted based on the specific application requirements, transforming a static design into a flexible one.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single actuation device is designed to work with all module sizes, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but adequate coverage of control lever may not be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling rod into adjustable parts, the device maintains a compact base design (first rod segment) while offering an extendable option (second rod segment). This allows manufacturing simplicity for the core device while ensuring reliable control lever coverage through selective extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The second rod segment can be stored within or alongside the first rod segment when not in use, allowing the actuation device to maintain a compact form factor while providing extended reach capability when needed, thus ensuring both manufacturing simplicity and reliable coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If coupling rod length is fixed during manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is segmented into standardized sections that are manufactured with high precision individually. The first rod segment is manufactured to exact specifications, and the second rod segment is manufactured as a separate precision component that can be coupled to achieve the required total length, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Modular electrical apparatus (2) comprising: - a box-shaped main body (10, 11) delimited between two opposite side walls (13, 14) the distance thereof defines the modular dimension (W2) of the electrical apparatus; - a coupling rod (3) that laterally projects from the main body (10, 11) protruding relative to said main body on the side of one (13) of said side walls (13, 14) for coupling the electrical apparatus (2) with a further modular electrical apparatus (4) intended to be installed alongside said modular electrical apparatus (2), the coupling rod (3) being suitable for engaging and operatively cooperating with a control lever (5) of said further modular electrical apparatus (4). The coupling rod (3) comprises a first rod segment (20) kinematically coupled with said box-shaped main body (10, 11) protruding laterally from said main body on the side of said side wall (13) and a second rod segment (21) adapted to be removably coupled with the first rod segment (20) to allow said first rod segment (20) to be extended to adapt the length of said coupling rod (3) to the modular size of said further electrical apparatus (4).