Ground Disconnect Switch Mounting Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earthing switches in sealed metal enclosures are complex and time-consuming to manufacture, and tend to be bulky due to multi-stage assembly processes and complex internal configurations.
Innovation Solution
An earthing switch design featuring a mounting plate with pre-assembled fixed earth and phase contacts, along with a switching element, which can be easily mounted onto a conductive bar within the enclosure, simplifying assembly and reducing size through a flat configuration and automatic electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the fixed earth contact and switching element are mounted in two separate stages, then the assembly can be completed, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earthing switch is divided into a modular assembly unit comprising the fixed earth contact, phase contact, and switching element mounted together on a common support structure. This segmentation allows the entire sub-assembly to be manufactured and tested separately, then installed as one unit, reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed earth contact, phase contact, and switching element are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the support structure before final installation into the enclosure. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and adjustment to be performed on the sub-assembly independently, accelerating the final manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If the switching element is attached to the internal wall, then the structure is simplified, but the attachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated support structure serves as an intermediary component between the enclosure wall and the switching element assembly. This support structure provides standardized mounting interfaces and alignment features, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining structural integrity and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the switching element moves in rotation around an axis parallel to the contact axis, then the switching mechanism functions, but the element shape becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element employs a rotating contact arm that pivots around an axis parallel to the contact axis, allowing dynamic transition between connected and disconnected states. The contact arm features a simplified L-shaped geometry with a roller at the end, enabling smooth rotational movement while maintaining functional effectiveness and reducing structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the distance between mounting plate and moving contact is very large, then the switching mechanism has adequate travel, but the disconnector becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism utilizes a rotational movement around a pivot axis rather than linear translation along the contact axis. This dimensional change allows the contact element to achieve adequate switching travel through angular displacement, significantly reducing the linear distance required and compacting the overall disconnector volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention mainly concerns an assembly for a ground disconnect switch comprising a fixed ground contact (12), a phase contact (14) adapted to be electrically connected to a conducting bar (8) via mobile connection means (16) for electrically contacting the fixed ground contact (12) and the phase contact (14), the fixed ground contact (12), the phase contact (14) and the mobile connection means (16) being mounted on a mounting plate (6). The invention also concerns a ground disconnect switch comprising such an assembly and a method for making a ground disconnect switch in accordance with the invention.