Compact Low Voltage Switch with Integrated Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic low voltage switches require multiple components and cases, increasing cost and complexity, especially when protecting both poles, due to separate modules and dedicated connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An automatic low voltage switch with a compact design that integrates all components, including protection devices, into a single case, using a single mechanism to connect protection devices with the open/close kinematism, reducing mechanical components and optimizing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate modules and cases are used for protection devices and switch, then specific protection functions can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protection devices (magnetothermal protection device and differential protection device) and the switch into a single integrated case, eliminating the need for separate modular components. The connecting means directly link all protection devices to the open/close kinematism within the same case, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining all required protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single case design serves multiple functions: it houses the switch, magnetothermal protection device, differential protection device, and provides the mechanical connection structure for the open/close kinematism. The connecting means serve as both structural support and functional linkage, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces component count.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate cases are used for switch and protection devices, then modular assembly is possible, but the manufacturing cost and installation labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate cases into a single integrated case that houses all components (switch, protection devices, and connecting means). This eliminates the need for assembling multiple separate cases, reducing both the quantity of cases required and the associated manufacturing and installation costs.
3Reliability
If both poles are protected with conventional devices, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the switch width exceeds two standard modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the internal arrangement of components within the single case, utilizing vertical and depth dimensions more efficiently. The connecting means and open/close kinematism are positioned to minimize the horizontal footprint, allowing both poles to be protected while keeping the switch width within two standard modules.
4Reliability
If dedicated mechanisms are used for connecting protection devices to release kinematism, then reliable connection is achieved, but the design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means serve as a universal mechanism that connects all protection devices (magnetothermal and differential) to the open/close kinematism through a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each protection device, reducing design and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic low voltage switch comprising a case containing: a pair of poles, each one comprising a first contact and a second contact able to be connected/disconnected reciprocally with one another; an open/close kinematism operationally connected to said first and second poles to perform the connection/disconnection of said contacts; a first, a second, and a third protection device conceived to activate the release of the kinematism and the opening of the contacts following a corresponding first, second or third fault situation in an electrical installation associated with the switch; a connecting means that operationally connects the open/close kinematism to said first, second and third protection devices.