Interlocked Socket With Integrated Modular Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interlocked sockets are cumbersome to install and require separate supports for modular switches, compromising ease of integration and reliability in electrical panels.

Innovation Solution

An interlocked socket design where the modular automatic protection switch is integrated directly with the front body, featuring a DIN guide holder and a gear lever system that connects the handles via a metallic pivot, allowing for quicker wiring and installation without a separate base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the modular switch is arranged at the bottom of the socket with separate assembly, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the installation complexity increases and wiring time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the modular switch assembly with the front body into a single integrated unit. The support structure extends internally from the front body to hold the modular switch, eliminating the need for separate bottom assembly and reducing installation steps while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The front body is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both the socket interface and the modular switch housing into a single component structure, allowing it to serve both as the external interface and the internal mounting structure.

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

2Productivity

If the modular switch is integrated with the front body, then the wiring speed increases and installation is simplified, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring speedVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated assembly is segmented into modular components including the front body with extended support, the modular switch unit, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each component that can then be easily assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular switch is nested within the front body structure, with the support extending internally to provide mounting. This nesting arrangement allows compact integration while maintaining access to all connection points for wiring, improving wiring speed without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the locking means is actuated by a gear lever system with pivot within the modular switch, then the reliability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety assuranceVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear lever system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control knob and the modular switch handles. The pivot point within the modular switch serves as a mediator that translates rotary motion from the knob into the appropriate handle actuation, enhancing reliability through mechanical advantage while containing the complexity within a compact mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2317612B1Interlocked socket with modular automatic protection switch
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 GEWISS SPA
  • EP2317612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2317612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2317612B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An interlocked socket with modular automatic protection switch, characterized in that it comprises a front body (2) that is adapted to be applied to a panel (100) or other wall-mounted support; said front body (2) contains a support (4) which extends internally and comprises a holder member (5) shaped as a DIN guide; a modular switch (6) is attached to said holder member (5).