Auxiliary Switch Merging State and Fault Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small circuit breakers require two auxiliary switches to achieve both open/closed state and fault signal output, resulting in a large and costly product due to the need for multiple components and increased space occupation.
Innovation Solution
A compact auxiliary switch design that integrates an operating handle, trip assembly, connecting rod assembly, locking rods, and rotating plates to enable the connection and disconnection of four electrical circuits, allowing for simultaneous AS and FC functions within a single housing by sharing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two auxiliary switches are used to achieve both open/closed state output and fault signal output, then both functions are realized, but the product structure occupies large space, has large number of components, and increases production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two previously separate auxiliary switches into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the first mechanism (with first rotating plate and first locking rod) and the second mechanism (with second rotating plate and second locking rod), allowing both open/closed state output and fault signal output functions to coexist in one unit, thereby reducing component quantity and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single auxiliary switch housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The first mechanism handles open/closed state feedback while the second mechanism handles fault signal output, making the device universal and multi-functional, eliminating the need for separate dedicated switches for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two auxiliary switches are used to achieve both open/closed state output and fault signal output, then both functions are realized, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two auxiliary switches into one integrated housing with shared components (housing, connecting rod assembly, operating handle), the bill of materials is reduced. Fewer separate housings, mounting brackets, and fasteners are needed, directly lowering material costs and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional design allows a single device to replace two separate purchases, reducing overall system cost. The integrated switch provides both AS and FC functions, eliminating the need to procure and install two separate auxiliary switches, thereby reducing production costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention is an auxiliary switch, having a housing, in which are provided the following: an operating handle; a trip assembly; a connecting rod assembly; a first locking rod, having a first drive part and a second drive part, wherein the connecting rod assembly can drive the first locking rod, to enable the first drive part to engage with or disengage from the trip assembly; a resettable first rotating plate, connected to the second drive part and capable of being driven by the first locking rod, with a first moving contact being disposed on the first rotating plate; a resettable second rotating plate, with a second moving contact being disposed thereon; and a second locking rod, resettably connected to the housing and capable of locking the second rotating plate, wherein the second locking rod can release the locking of the second rotating plate under the action of a driving force of the first locking rod. The auxiliary switch according to the present invention can not only be used to output an open/closed state of a circuit breaker, but at the same time can also be used to output a fault signal for a circuit in which the circuit breaker is located.