Geared Rotary Load-Break Switch for Synchronized Contact Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switches, particularly load-break switches, require significant installation space due to the arrangement of multiple pairs of fixed contacts and moving contacts, which limits their compact design.

Innovation Solution

The switch incorporates two pairs of fixed contact devices with rotatable movable contact devices connected via rotary parts with toothing, allowing simultaneous and synchronous switching between contact and interruption positions, minimizing play and ensuring precise timing of contact disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pairs of fixed contacts and moving contacts are arranged next to each other in a row, then the switch can handle multiple current paths, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-current path capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple movable contact devices (first movable contact device and second movable contact device) onto a single moving contact carrier. This merging allows multiple current paths to be controlled simultaneously while reducing the overall installation space, as the contacts are arranged in a compact configuration rather than spread out in rows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple movable contact devices are controlled independently, then each contact path can be switched individually, but the switching synchronization and timing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual contact path controlVSAvoidswitching synchronization timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple movable contact devices are merged onto a single moving contact carrier that moves as one unified structure. This ensures that all contacts are switched simultaneously with precise timing, eliminating synchronization issues that would arise from independent control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The moving contact carrier serves multiple functions: it carries multiple movable contacts, provides unified movement for all contacts, and enables simultaneous switching across all current paths. This multi-functional design ensures both individual path control capability and precise synchronization

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

Data Source

PatentEP4632779A1Electrical switch
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 WOHNER BESITZ GMBH
  • EP4632779A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4632779A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4632779A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical switch 1 comprising two first and two second fixed contact devices 10, 11 12, 13; a first movable contact device 14, which is rotatably arranged between the two first fixed contact devices 10,11, for rotating between a contact position and an interruption position; a second movable contact device 15, which is rotatably arranged between the two second fixed contact devices 12,13, for rotating between a contact position and an interruption position; a first rotary part 16 connected to the first movable contact device and comprising a first rotary axis 57 about which the first rotary part is rotatable for rotating the first movable contact device between its contact position and its interruption position; a second rotary part 17 connected to the second movable contact device; and a second rotary axis 58 about which the first rotary part 16 is rotatable for rotating the second movable contact device 15 between its contact position and its interruption position, and the second rotary axis 58 about which the second rotary part 17 is rotatable for rotating the second movable contact device between its contact position and its interruption position, wherein the first rotary part 16 and the second rotary part 17are rotatably connected to one another via toothing 19.