Interlock Module Mounting Between Contactors for Faster Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling and disassembling interlock modules between contactors are time-consuming and laborious, especially when dealing with larger and heavier contactors, and the traditional assembly process is complex and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an interlock module with a housing, first and second sliders, and an interlocking portion, which connects to the movable iron core assemblies of the contactors, allowing for remountable and secure fixation using screw and nut assemblies, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without requiring one contactor to be dismounted first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the traditional assembly method is used where one contactor is fixed first and the interlock module is mounted to it, then the assembly process can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious especially with larger and heavier contactors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the assembly process into independent parallel steps: the first contactor and second contactor are mounted to the interlock module simultaneously rather than sequentially. The interlock module serves as a central mounting platform where both contactors can be attached independently to its first and second mounting surfaces at the same time, eliminating the sequential dependency that caused time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock module is prepared in advance with its mounting surfaces and fixing mechanisms ready before the contactors are attached. This preliminary preparation allows the contactors to be mounted directly without requiring one to be fixed first as a prerequisite, enabling simultaneous mounting and reducing overall assembly time.
2Ease of manufacture
If the traditional assembly method is used with complex procedures, then the contactors can be assembled, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes extremely complicated and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock module serves multiple functions: it provides mounting surfaces for both contactors, houses the interlocking mechanism, and offers standardized fixing interfaces. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate assembly operations into a single unified process, simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock module acts as an intermediary component between the two contactors, providing a standardized interface for both to connect to independently. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for complex direct coupling between contactors and simplifies the assembly process to straightforward mounting operations on a central platform.
3Ease of repair
If one contactor is disassembled first before removing the interlock module, then the disassembly can be completed, but the process remains time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly process is segmented into independent reversible steps: the first contactor and second contactor can be removed independently from the interlock module's mounting surfaces. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to disassemble only the necessary contactor while leaving the other attached, eliminating the requirement to disassemble one contactor before removing the interlock module and significantly reducing disassembly time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting an interlock module between two contactors, including: providing a first contactor having a first mounting surface and a first movable iron core assembly and a second contactor having a second mounting surface and a second movable iron core assembly, and placing the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface face to face; providing the interlock module comprising a first slider, a second slider and a housing formed separately from the first slider and the housing, an interlocking portion being mounted in the housing for interacting with the first slider and the second slider; connecting the first slider to the first movable iron core assembly of the first contactor; connecting the second slider to the second movable iron core assembly of the second contactor; assembling the housing to the first slider and the second slider; and fixing the housing.