Fuse Cover Switching Strip With Retractable Handle for Shallow Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-pole switching bars have a relatively large installation depth due to the design of the switching handle and safety lids, making them unsuitable for control cabinets with low installation depths.
Innovation Solution
A switching bar design with multiple backup lids arranged in a row, where the fuse lids pivot around a swivel axis to switch between locking and open positions, and a handle connected to the connection structure that can be streamlined to reduce installation depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is directly connected to the fuse covers for joint pivoting, then the switching function is achieved, but the handle protrudes far from the fuse covers increasing the installation depth
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is divided into two independent parts: the handle (actuating lever) and the fuse covers (safety covers). The handle can pivot independently to provide operational leverage, while the fuse covers pivot separately on their own axis. This segmentation allows the handle to be positioned closer to the fuse covers without compromising the switching function, thereby reducing the overall installation depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is given rotational freedom around a second pivot axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the fuse covers. This dimensional change allows the handle to achieve its actuating motion in a different plane, enabling it to remain close to the fuse covers while still providing sufficient leverage for operation, thus reducing the protrusion distance and installation depth.
2Length of moving object
If the handle is positioned close to the fuse covers to reduce installation depth, then the installation depth is reduced, but the user cannot apply sufficient force to pivot the fuse covers
Solution Approach 1:
The handle rotates around a second pivot axis that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the fuse covers. This creates a mechanical advantage where the handle's rotation in the second dimension translates into effective force application for pivoting the fuse covers in the first dimension, enabling sufficient switching force to be applied even when the handle is positioned close to the fuse covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved between a retracted position (close to the fuse covers) and an extended position (farther from the fuse covers). When the user needs to apply force, the handle can be extended to provide longer leverage. This dynamic adjustment maintains a compact installation depth while ensuring sufficient switching force can be applied when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switching strip (1) with several fuse covers (4) mounted in the switching strip (1), wherein each fuse cover (4) has a receptacle for mounting an electrical fuse and/or a disconnecting blade, wherein the fuse covers (4) are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction (X) of the switching strip (1) and are pivotably mounted in the switching strip (1) in the same direction about a first pivot axis (5) for moving the fuse covers (4) from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, wherein the fuse covers (4) are connected to each other via a connecting structure (6) at a distance from the first pivot axes (5) for pivoting the fuse covers (4) together when the connecting structure (6) is moved, wherein the switching strip (1) has a handle (8) connected to the connecting structure (6).wherein the handle (8) is pivotable relative to the connecting structure (6) independently of the locking covers (4) in order to move the handle (8) from a pivoted position to a pivoted position and vice versa and/or wherein the handle (8) is slidable relative to the connecting structure (6) in order to move the handle (8) from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa.