Integrated Wiring Bus for Switch Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for low-voltage automatic switches and disconnectors face issues with excessive wiring and connections, leading to increased complexity, error risks, and maintenance costs, as well as limitations in applicability due to the need for auxiliary cables and electronic interface units.

Innovation Solution

A device with an integrated wiring support and shaped structure comprising half-shells with mated coupling surfaces, featuring an integrated wiring bus and terminal boards for simplified accessory installation, reducing the need for complex wiring and enabling 'plug and play' functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessories are wired independently by means of one or more buses for various functions, then each accessory can be connected to supply and signal transmission, but the system complexity increases and wiring errors become more frequent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory connection capabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent wiring buses into a single integrated wiring support structure. The terminal board integrates supply buses (L1, L2, L3, N) and signal buses (A1, A2, etc.) into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate buses for each accessory function. This merging reduces wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to connect multiple accessories simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring support is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of accessories (auxiliary contacts, servo actuators, voltage relays, temperature sensors) through a single standardized connection system. The terminal board provides multiple terminals that can be configured for different functions, allowing one wiring support structure to serve multiple purposes and connect various accessory types without requiring separate wiring arrangements for each.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple auxiliary cables are used for supply and signal transmission, then all accessories can be powered and controlled, but the risk of wiring errors and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory functionalityVSAvoidwiring error risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple auxiliary cables are merged into a single wiring support assembly where all connections are made at one centralized terminal board. This consolidation reduces the number of separate cable routing paths and connection points, thereby reducing the probability of wiring errors. The integrated structure ensures that all accessories share a common, standardized connection interface, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring support is pre-configured with predetermined connection paths and terminals before installation. The terminal board comes with pre-arranged wiring configurations for different accessory types, allowing installers to simply connect accessories to the pre-defined terminals without having to plan complex wiring routes. This preliminary preparation reduces wiring errors and simplifies installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If electronic interface units are used to recognize and control accessories, then accessories can be managed centrally, but the system requires auxiliary supply and becomes less applicable to passive accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory recognition capabilityVSAvoidapplicability to passive accessories
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring support enables accessories to self-configure and self-identify through their physical connection to the terminal board. Each accessory connects to predetermined terminals that automatically establish the correct electrical connections without requiring electronic recognition or configuration. This self-service approach allows passive accessories (like auxiliary contacts) to function without needing power or electronic interface units, expanding applicability while maintaining centralized management through the physical wiring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1883941B1Device for housing and connection of accessories for switches
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 ABB SPA
  • EP1883941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1883941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1883941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for housing and connection of accessories, particularly for low-voltage automatic switches, comprising an integrated wiring support. In particular, the housing and connection device (1) has a shaped structure (10) comprising an integrated wiring bus for electrical connection of the accessories. The shaped structure (10) moreover comprises one or more seats (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) for housing the accessories.