Interchangeable Control Mechanism for Low-Voltage Switches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional low-voltage switches face challenges in interchangeability of control components, requiring complex maintenance procedures and high manufacturing and operating costs due to rigid functional designs and difficult access to connecting means, limiting their adaptability to varying application conditions.

Innovation Solution

A low-voltage switch design featuring removable connection means between the control mechanism and the mobile element, supported by a structural part via a hinge connection, allowing for easy replacement and interchangeability of control components without disassembling the entire switch, using first, second, and third removable connection means for simplified operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If conventional switches use fixed control mechanisms with complex connecting means, then structural stability is maintained, but maintenance difficulty increases and interchangeability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidconnecting means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism is segmented into modular components that can be independently removed and replaced. The connecting means are designed as separate removable elements rather than integrated fixed structures, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace individual control components without disassembling the entire switch apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control mechanism is extracted as a removable module from the main switch structure. The connecting means are designed to be separable, allowing the control mechanism to be completely removed and replaced with different control types (direct or storage) without affecting the core switch structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If switches are designed with rigid functional configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The switch structure is designed with universal mounting provisions that can accommodate different types of control mechanisms (direct control or storage control). The connecting means are standardized to work with various control configurations, allowing a single basic switch structure to serve multiple application requirements without requiring different manufacturing processes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control mechanism configuration is made dynamically changeable rather than fixed. The removable connecting means allow the control type to be adjusted based on application requirements, enabling the switch to adapt between different operational modes (direct or storage control) while maintaining the same basic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If entire switch apparatus is replaced to change control type, then functional requirements are met, but operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol interchangeabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism is segmented as a separate replaceable module, allowing only the control portion to be replaced rather than the entire switch apparatus. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to perform quick swaps of control mechanisms without disturbing the main switch structure, contacts, or mounting infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control mechanism is extracted as an independent replaceable component. The connecting means are designed to facilitate complete removal of the control mechanism from the switch structure, enabling rapid interchange between different control types (direct or storage) without requiring replacement of the entire switch apparatus or complex reassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP1883943B1Circuitbreaker with interchangeable operating mechanism and suspended mobile contact assembly
Publication Date: 2011.11.23 ABB SPA
  • EP1883943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1883943B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1883943B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a single-pole or multi-pole switch to be used preferably in Iow-voltage systems. The switch (1) comprises an outer casing (2) containing for each pole at least one fixed contact (10) and one mobile contact (20) which can be reciprocally coupled to/uncoupled from each other. The mobile contacts (20) are housed in suitable seats (25) provided on a mobile element (50). The switch (1) according to the invention is provided with a control mechanism (60, 61) comprising mechanical means supported by a structural part (70). This control mechanism (60, 61) is connected to the mobile element (50) through first removable connection means (64) and to the outer casing (2) through second removable connection means (65). The switch (1) also comprises means to support the mobile element (50) which are connected to the structural part (70) of the control mechanism (60, 61) through third removable connection means (66).