Contactor Latching Module for High Locking Force, Low Tripping Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latching modules in electrical devices, such as contactors, face challenges in maintaining a secure locked state while avoiding increased tripping force, which affects shock resistance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed latching module incorporates a swing arm, tripper, and holder, where the holder applies a force to secure the tripper in the holding position, enhancing locking force and shock resistance without significantly increasing the tripping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching force is increased to improve shock resistance, then the locking reliability is improved, but the tripping force increases resulting in improper operation under low voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The latching module is divided into functionally independent components: the swing arm assembly for locking, the tripper mechanism for tripping, and the holder for positioning. This segmentation allows the locking force (generated by swing arm teeth engagement) to be optimized independently from the tripping force (generated by the tripper), resolving the contradiction between high locking reliability and low tripping force requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component that positions the swing arm and tripper relative to each other. By mediating the spatial relationship between these components, the holder enables the swing arm to provide strong locking force through tooth engagement while the tripper can still be actuated with low force to release the lock, as the holder ensures proper alignment without requiring high forces
2Reliability
If additional latching modules are added to realize state switching, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated latching module: the swing arm provides both the locking function (through teeth engagement with the holder) and the state switching function (by pivoting between locked and unlocked positions). The tripper is integrated within the same module to provide tripping capability. This consolidation achieves reliable state switching without the need for separate additional latching modules, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
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
This configuration significantly increases the locking force and improves shock resistance of the latching module, while maintaining a low tripping force, ensuring reliable operation even under low voltage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the driver comprises a coil and a moving iron core arranged inside the coil, with one end of the moving iron core connected to the tripper to drive the tripper from the holding position to the tripped position by means of the moving iron core when the coil is energized
Implementation Method 2
the latching module further comprise a return spring disposed between the moving iron core and a fixed portion or component of the latching module to resiliently bias the moving iron core to apply a force on the tripper in the first direction through the moving iron core
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a latching module for an electrical device, comprising: a swing arm movable between an unlocked position and a locked position; a tripper movable in a first direction towards a holding position or in a second direction towards a tripped position, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; a holder, a first portion of which can act on the tripper and a second portion of which can act on the swing arm. When the swing arm is in the locked position and the tripper is in the holding position, the holder bears a force applied by the swing arm to make the holder abut against the tripper to apply a force on the tripper in the first direction, such that the tripper is secured in the holding position, and the holder holds the swing arm in the locked position; when the tripper is in the tripped position, the holder releases the hold on the swing arm so that the swing arm can be moved from the locked position towards the unlocked position. The disclosure also provides a contactor comprising a latching module described above. The present disclosure can increase the locking force of the latching module and improve shock resistance without increasing the tripping force of the tripper, so that the latching module can be smoothly released at low pressure.