Electric Switch With Removable Terminals For Branch Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching devices with electronic switching points, such as thyristors, do not provide sufficient isolation for maintenance, as they lack a mechanical blocking mechanism to ensure insulation strength according to IEC/EN 60947-1 standards, requiring shutdown of entire systems for maintenance, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electrical switching device with removable main conductor terminals featuring two latching positions, allowing secure disconnection and reconnection, ensuring insulation resistance and enabling isolation of individual branches without shutting down the entire system, using a Lyra plug connection and a locking device for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic switching points (thyristors) are used in switching devices, then switching functionality is improved, but isolation capability deteriorates because mechanical blocking mechanisms are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electronic switching points (thyristors) with mechanical blocking mechanisms in a single switching device. The mechanical component provides physical disconnection and isolation capability, while the electronic component provides automated switching functionality. This merging resolves the contradiction by integrating both isolation reliability and automation extent into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is designed to perform multiple functions: electronic switching for operational control and mechanical blocking for isolation. This multi-functionality allows the device to satisfy both the need for automated switching and the need for reliable isolation, eliminating the trade-off between these opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If the entire group of motor feeders is isolated via upstream circuit breaker, then isolation compliance is improved, but system availability deteriorates because the entire plant must be shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the isolation capability by providing individual mechanical blocking mechanisms at each switching device level rather than requiring centralized isolation through the upstream circuit breaker. This segmentation allows isolation of specific branches or feeders independently, maintaining compliance while preserving system availability for other sections.
3Reliability
If mechanical blocking devices are added to ensure isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical blocking mechanism is integrated into the existing switching device structure rather than being added as a separate external component. This merging approach provides the necessary isolation capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing the existing structural framework.
Data Source
AI summary
The electrical switching device (1) has switch contacts or semiconductor elements for switching on and off an electrical load that are formed with removable main conductor terminals. A main circuit terminal (2) is provided with two locking positions.