Fused Load Disconnector with Rotatable Base and Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fuse switch disconnectors lack the ability to adjust the connection direction on the fly to accommodate varying requirements during assembly, limiting their adaptability to different mounting configurations.

Innovation Solution

A fuse switch disconnector design where the disconnector base can be rotated 180°, allowing the access contacts to be positioned either at the top or bottom, with a pivotable cover and an adapter system that enables the lower part of the isolator to connect in two different directions, and includes removable and fixed contact protection hoods with integrated arcing chutes for directional flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the disconnector base has a fixed connection direction, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability to different mounting configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different mounting configurationsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with asymmetric opening arrangements - a first opening on one side and a second opening on the opposite side, allowing the disconnector base to be mounted in different directions (first connection direction or second connection direction) by rotating the adapter 180 degrees, thereby achieving adaptability without complex reconfiguration mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the disconnector base, enables directional rotation for different mounting configurations, and maintains electrical connections through its contact elements. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the disconnector base is made rotatable by 180°, then the adaptability to different mounting configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidrotational mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric opening design in the adapter allows simple 180-degree rotation capability - the first opening and second opening are positioned on opposite sides, enabling the disconnector base to switch between two mounting directions without requiring complex rotational mechanisms, motors, or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing a complex mechanism to achieve rotation, the invention inverts the approach by designing the adapter with pre-positioned asymmetric openings that naturally accommodate both mounting orientations, making the rotation capability inherent in the static structure rather than requiring active mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If contact protection hoods are provided for both orientations, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact protection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contact protection hoods are extracted as separate, removable components rather than being integrated into the main disconnector base structure. This allows the hoods to be manufactured independently and attached only when needed for specific mounting orientations, simplifying the manufacturing of the main body while providing protection when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact protection hoods are designed to be dynamically configurable - they can be attached or removed based on the mounting orientation and operational requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide enhanced contact protection when needed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity by not permanently integrating complex protective structures into the base design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible mounting of the disconnector base on an adapter with different connection directions, ensuring reliable electrical contact and arc suppression regardless of the orientation, enhancing adaptability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the disconnector base, which is fixed by a housing, can be displaced by 180° in the connection direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

a cover is mounted pivotably on the housing, and the cover can be mounted rotated by 180° with respect to the lower part of the isolator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

a group of receiving contacts in the lower part of the isolator is designed in the form of plug-in contacts with a foot section protruding from the housing, which can be inserted in the openings which are shaped symmetrically to the transverse axis of the adapter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical insertion: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

The removable contact protection cover, like the fixed contact protection cover, is equipped with integrated arcing chutes so that the required arcing chutes are available at the required location regardless of the connection direction of the lower part of the isolator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc suppression: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2188821B1Fused load disconnector with double protection against accidental contact, having a modifiable connecting direction
Publication Date: 2015.05.20 WOHNER GMBH & CO KG ELEKTROTECHNISCHE SYST
  • EP2188821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2188821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2188821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fused load disconnector with a disconnector bottom and a pivotable cover arranged thereon, with holder contacts for holding the contacts of fuse units, wherein a first contact group is designed as plug contacts with a base section leading through the disconnector bottom and protruding from the disconnector bottom, wherein the disconnector bottom can be placed on an adapter in different connecting directions, wherein the adapter comprises a plurality of contact openings for the alternative guidance of the base section and a contact rail running in the region of the contact openings, the first contact group and a second contact group, connected to the input connections, being covered by a first and a second contact guard cap, wherein the first and second contact guard caps each comprise insertion slits and integrated light arch quenching chambers, wherein the second contact guard cap is designed such that it can be removed from the disconnector bottom.