Disconnect Terminal Coupling Device for Switching Lever Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolating terminals require separate adjustment of switching levers, which is inconvenient and only possible when the connecting element is removed, lacking a simple and quick reversible switch connection with a compact structure and minimal components.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement comprising at least two isolating terminals with a coupling device that connects and separates switching levers in different coupling positions, allowing independent adjustment of each lever and providing a clear switching status display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If switching levers are connected using a fixed connecting element, then the switching levers can be operated together, but the connection cannot be easily changed and requires removal of the connecting element for separate adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connection and reconnection of switching leversVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is designed to be movable between a first coupling position (connecting the switching levers) and a second coupling position (releasing the switching levers). This dynamic design allows the connection state to be changed simply by moving the coupling element, enabling both joint operation and independent adjustment without permanent fixation or complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple disconnect terminals are operated independently, then each terminal can be adjusted separately, but quick joint operation of multiple terminals is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of operating multiple switching leversVSAvoidease of independent adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed to couple multiple switching levers simultaneously through a single coupling element that can engage with multiple levers. This allows all connected switching levers to be operated together in one motion, significantly increasing productivity when joint operation is needed, while the modular design maintains ease of independent adjustment when the coupling element is in the release position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a coupling device is added to allow quick connection, then joint operation becomes possible, but the compact structure and minimal components may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversibility of switch connectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is integrated with one of the switching levers, merging the coupling function into the existing lever structure rather than adding a completely separate coupling mechanism. This reduces the total number of components and maintains a compact structure while still providing reversible coupling capability. The coupling element utilizes the existing pivot mechanism of the switching levers, combining multiple functions into a unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3796354B1Disconnect terminal with coupling device and arrangement of disconnect terminals with coupling device
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO
  • EP3796354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3796354B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An arrangement (10) comprises at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1') and at least one coupling device (100), wherein the at least two disconnect terminals (1, 1') each have at least one switching lever (6, 6'), each switching lever (6, 6') being independently adjustable from a first switching position (I) to at least a second switching position (II) and back, the switching levers (1, 1') being connectable by means of the at least one coupling device (100). The at least one coupling device (100) connects the switching levers (6, 6') to each other when the at least one coupling device (100) is switched to at least a first coupling position (A), and the at least one coupling device (100) disconnects the switching levers (6, 6') from each other when the at least one coupling device (100) is switched to at least a second coupling position (B).A disconnect terminal (1, 1') has at least one coupling device (100).