Auxiliary Contact Block Tool-Free Wedge Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary contact blocks require tools for secure connection and disconnection to contactors, making it difficult in limited spaces due to the need for accessing snap hooks on both sides, which complicates operations like removing the auxiliary switch from an electromagnetic switch device.
Innovation Solution
An improved connecting mechanism featuring a wedge element and releasing bar on the second housing, allowing the snap-fit element to be unlatched without tools, enabling easy attachment and detachment by simple hooking and pushing operations, with a stopping block to prevent over-release and a connecting hook for stable engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw connection is used to secure auxiliary contact block to contactor, then connection stability is improved, but operation complexity increases due to tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-mechanical connection system with a snap-fit elastic mechanism. The elastic element with hook structure engages with the contactor body through a snap-fit action, eliminating the need for screws and tools while maintaining secure connection. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation without sacrificing connection stability.
2Ease of operation
If snap hooks are positioned on both sides of auxiliary switch for tool-free connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection and release functions into a single side-operated mechanism. The elastic element with hook structure integrates both the latching function (connection) and the release function (detachment) into one component accessible from one side. This merging reduces device complexity compared to having separate snap hooks on both sides while maintaining tool-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically engages with the contactor body through spring force, providing self-latching without requiring manual intervention for securing. The same elastic element can be manually released by pressing the releasing member. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall structure while enabling easy operation from one side only.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates tool-free, easy attachment and detachment of the auxiliary contact block to contactors, even in confined spaces, ensuring secure and stable connections without the need for tools, enhancing operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary contact block (1, 101) comprises a first housing (11, 111) and a second housing (12, 112), wherein the first housing (11, 111) is connected to the second housing (12, 112) in parallel, a releasing member (30, 310) is disposed on the second housing (12, 112) and comprises a releasing bar (32, 312) arranged for receiving a pressing force and a wedge element (34, 314) connected to the releasing bar (32, 312), an inlet (60, 360) is provided on the second housing (12, 112) for receiving the wedge element (34, 314), a snap-fit element (40, 340) is attached on the first housing (11, 111) and has an other end protruding out from the inlet (60, 360), and the wedge element (34, 314) is arranged, upon pressing the releasing bar (32, 312), the latched snap-fit element (40, 340) is pushed aside to the unlatched position so that the auxiliary contact block (1, 101) is unlocked from the contact device
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an auxiliary contact block (1) for a low voltage contactor (100), wherein the contactor (100) has a side wall (150, 160) including a first (110) and a second (140) recesses. The auxiliary contact block comprises a first (11) and a second housing (12), connected in parallel to each other, an actuation nipple (20) extending out from the second housing (12), and a connecting mechanism for connecting the auxiliary contact block (1) to the contactor (100). The connecting mechanism comprises a snap-fit element (40) for locking the auxiliary contact block (1) to the contactor (100) when it is at a latched position and being adapted to engage in the second recess (140) provided on the side wall of the contactor, and a releasing member (30) for unlocking the snap-fit element (40) to an unlatched position and comprising a releasing bar (32) arranged for receiving a pressing force. The releasing member (30) is arranged on the second housing (12) and further comprises a wedge element (34) connected to the pressing element. An inlet (60) is provided on the second housing (12) for receiving the wedge element (34). Furthermore, the snap-fit element (40) is arranged on the first housing (11) and protrudes out from the inlet (60), and the wedge element (34) is arranged, upon pressing the releasing bar (32), the latched snap-fit element (40) is pushed aside to the unlatched position so that the auxiliary contact block (1) is unlocked from the contactor (100).