Dual-Power Switch Mechanism for Stable Middle Zero Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-power switches face challenges in reliably maintaining the middle zero position and have complex structures or high costs, especially in three-stage switches.

Innovation Solution

An operation mechanism for a dual-power switch that includes a rotation shaft, first and second driving members, stop members, and elastic members, allowing for reliable switching between dual-separation, first, and second power-on states with a simple structure and low cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an independent power blocking mechanism is used to maintain the middle zero position, then the reliability of maintaining the middle position is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of maintaining middle positionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the middle position maintaining function with the existing driving members and stop members of the switching mechanism. The first driving member integrates both the switching function and the middle position maintaining function, eliminating the need for an independent power blocking mechanism. The stop members work together with the driving members to achieve both switching and position maintenance through a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving members are designed to perform multiple functions: they both switch between power sources and maintain the middle zero position. The first driving member can drive the second driving member to rotate between different positions (first power source, middle zero position, second power source), making the mechanism universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If friction is used to keep the middle position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining the middle position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidreliability of maintaining middle position
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces stop members as intermediary components that physically block the driving members from moving away from the middle zero position. These stop members act as mediators between the driving members and the middle position, providing reliable mechanical retention without relying on friction. The stop members work in conjunction with the elastic member to create a robust position maintenance system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: driving members for switching, stop members for position retention, and elastic members for providing restoring force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, with the stop members specifically dedicated to maintaining the middle position through mechanical blocking rather than friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a three-stage dual-power switch with delay control is used, then the safety of switching process is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of switching processVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is pre-loaded to provide a restoring force that automatically returns the driving members to the middle zero position after switching. This preliminary action (pre-loaded elastic force) ensures that the system naturally returns to a safe intermediate state without requiring complex control mechanisms, achieving safety through passive mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism uses the elastic member's inherent restoring force to automatically return the system to the middle zero position, making the system self-regulating. The stop members and elastic member work together to automatically maintain and restore the middle position without external control, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for complex delay control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables reliable and stable maintenance of the middle dual-separation position, meeting IEC60947-6 and GB14048.11 standards, and supports non-continuous switching modes like Open transfer and Delayed transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member, arranged between the stop member and the frame and elastically biasing the stop member to the locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4261863B1Operation mechanism for dual-power switch and dual-power switch
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4261863B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4261863B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4261863B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an operation mechanism for a dual-power switch and a dual-power switch. The operation mechanism comprises: a rotation shaft, arranged on a housing of the dual-power switch; a first driving member, arranged on the rotation shaft and can rotate around the rotation shaft; a second driving member, arranged on the rotation shaft and connected to the breaking unit, and can rotate around the rotation shaft between a dual-separation position, a first power-on position and a second power-on position under the driving of the first driving member; a stop member, arranged on a frame and can move between a locking position and an unlocking position under the driving of the first driving member; and an elastic member for elastically biasing the stop member to the locking position, wherein the first driving member drives the second driving member to rotate after an idle stroke, and the second driving member further drives the breaking unit to switch the state of the dual-power switch; and wherein when the first driving member is rotating by the idle stroke, the first driving member drives the stop member to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.