Auxiliary Switch Test Button Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary switches for selective main circuit breakers are complex and difficult to assemble, lacking a simple mechanism to indicate the switching position without additional unnecessary functions, and they cannot simulate the switching off of the selective main circuit breaker without actuating it.
Innovation Solution
A two-slide system with an outer slide coupled to the selective main circuit breaker and an inner slide for simulating the switching position, featuring a test button that allows simulating the off position of the circuit breaker when it is switched on, using a spring element for restoring force and indicating the contact position with changeover contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated lever arrangement with four different levers is used in the auxiliary switch, then the switching mechanism can indicate the switching status of a Pol+N type circuit breaker, but the construction becomes too complicated to be used with a selective main circuit breaker
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary switch is divided into two independent but coupled slide mechanisms: an outer slide that couples to the circuit breaker and an inner slide that controls the auxiliary contacts. This segmentation allows the auxiliary switch to adapt to different circuit breaker types through the outer slide while keeping the inner slide's contact control simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer slide acts as an intermediary element between the circuit breaker's switching mechanism and the inner slide's contact control system. It transfers the switching position information from the circuit breaker to the inner slide without requiring direct mechanical coupling, thereby simplifying the overall construction while maintaining adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If the auxiliary switch reflects the switching position of the selective main circuit breaker, then the switching state is accurately indicated, but the auxiliary switch cannot simulate switching off without actuating the main circuit breaker
Solution Approach 1:
The inner slide is designed to be dynamically controllable both by the outer slide (for accurate position indication) and by the test button (for simulation capability). This dynamic design allows the inner slide to respond to different control inputs, enabling both accurate indication and test functions without compromising either capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test button provides a self-contained mechanism for simulating circuit breaker switching off without requiring actual actuation of the main circuit breaker. This self-service feature allows users to perform tests and verify auxiliary contact operation independently, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining accurate position indication through the coupled slide mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a simple, easy-to-assemble auxiliary switch that accurately indicates the switching position of the selective main circuit breaker and allows simulation of switching off without actuating the main circuit breaker, enhancing usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
forming a restoring force acting on the inner slide in the direction of the inner slide switch-on position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an auxiliary switch (10) for mounting on a circuit breaker (21), with an auxiliary contact apparatus having at least one auxiliary contact point (16). The auxiliary switch (10) is formed with a sliding arrangement (28) which has a circuit breaker-side coupling point for coupling with a contact apparatus of the circuit breaker (21) and an auxiliary contact apparatus-side coupling point for coupling with the auxiliary contact apparatus.The slide assembly (28) comprises an outer slide (29) which can assume an outer slide on position and an outer slide off position, and an inner slide (30) which can assume an inner slide on position and an inner slide off position, and a slide coupling arrangement for coupling the outer slide (29) to the inner slide (30), wherein the circuit breaker-side coupling point is located on the outer slide and the auxiliary contact-side coupling point is located on the inner slide (30). The auxiliary switch (10) comprises a test button (37) which is coupled to the inner slide (30) to simulate an off position of the contact apparatus of the circuit breaker (21) when the circuit breaker (21) is switched on.With the outer slide (29) held in its outer slide-on position, the inner slide (30) can be moved from the inner slide-on position to the inner slide-off position by the influence of the test button (37), forming a restoring force that acts on the inner slide (30) in the direction of the inner slide-on position.