Insulating Switching Rod Bayonet Lock Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolating switching rods for electrical contact systems in switching devices are complex and costly due to elaborate constructions, such as screw connections and require metal parts, which introduce torsional moments during assembly and increase production costs.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in and snap-in connection between the switching rod and drive element using a bayonet lock mechanism, with insulating bodies surrounding each component, allowing for simple assembly and reduced metal usage, utilizing a helical compression spring tensioning device for generating high contact forces without introducing torsional moments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw connections and metal parts are used in the prior art construction, then the structural strength and connection reliability are improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase, and torsional moments are introduced during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes metal parts and screw connections from the construction, extracting the problematic elements that caused complexity and torsional moments. The switching rod and drive element are connected directly through insulating material without metal fasteners, eliminating the need for elaborate screw connections while maintaining connection reliability through the direct mechanical interface of the rod and element themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to insulating material for the connection components. By using insulating material that can be directly molded or formed into the switching rod and drive element connection interfaces, the construction becomes simpler without requiring separate metal parts and fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If elaborate constructions with screw connections are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function directly into the insulating material structure of the switching rod and drive element. Instead of separate connection components (screws, metal parts), the insulating material itself forms the connection interface, combining structural support and connection functionality in a single integrated component that is easier to manufacture and assemble

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the switching rod into distinct functional parts (rod body, drive element connection) that can be separately manufactured and then easily assembled through direct insertion or simple fastening, eliminating the need for complex multi-step assembly procedures required by elaborate screw connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Force

If metal parts are used in the prior art, then the contact force generation is improved, but the production cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact forceVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material construction where insulating material serves multiple functions simultaneously - providing structural support, electrical insulation, and mechanical connection. The insulating material is formulated and molded to provide the necessary mechanical properties for contact force generation without requiring separate metal parts, reducing the total number of components while maintaining force generation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution simplifies assembly, reduces production costs, and maintains high contact forces with a compact design, enhancing buckling resistance and wear reduction while minimizing friction and maintaining constant contact force, allowing for easy disassembly and assembly with reduced backlash.

Implementation Method 1

the tensioning device comprises an arrangement of helical compression springs, by means of which the contact force is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2188823B1Insulating switching rod
Publication Date: 2015.08.26 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2188823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2188823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2188823B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an insulating switching rod (7) comprising a drive element (8) for initiating a drive movement in an electrical contact system of a switching device and for producing a contact force when the contact system is in the closed state, characterized in that it has a clamping apparatus (18) for the drive element (8) of the switching rod (7) in order to maintain the contact force. The aim of the invention is to produce a greater contact force with a compact design and ensure constant spring characteristics as well as low wear over the entire useful life. In order to achieve said aim, it is proposed that the switching rod (7) and the drive element (8) can be directly or indirectly connected to one another by means of a plug and latching connection (13).