Isolating Ground Switch With Sliding Conductive Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for isolating and testing electrically conductive lines require disconnection and reconnection of harnesses, which is inefficient and often results in improper bonding after testing.
Innovation Solution
An isolating ground switch with a bi-directionally slidably positioned conductive switch plate that engages or isolates terminal studs, allowing for efficient isolation or grounding of multiple lines without disconnecting the harnesses, featuring a compact enclosure with mounting openings and indicia for user direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional isolation methods are used to test a line, then the line can be isolated for testing, but the harness connections must be removed and reattached which is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The switch plate is pre-configured with conductive portions that can be selectively engaged with terminal studs. Before testing begins, the harnesses remain connected to the terminal studs, and the switch plate is simply slid into the engaged position to establish the conductive path, eliminating the need for preliminary disconnection actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch plate serves as an intermediary component between the terminal studs and the grounding system. It provides a selective conductive path that can be engaged or disengaged by sliding the switch plate, allowing isolation or grounding without affecting the harness connections at the terminal studs.
2Ease of operation
If harnesses are disconnected for testing, then isolation is achieved, but proper reconnection is often problematic and bonding may not be properly established
Solution Approach 1:
The switch plate acts as an intermediary that provides a reliable, pre-configured conductive path. By sliding the switch plate into the engaged position, the conductive portions make contact with the terminal studs, ensuring proper bonding is established without requiring manual reconnection of harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch plate design includes conductive portions that automatically align and engage with the terminal studs when slid into the engaged position. The enlarged portions of the openings guide the conductive portions into proper alignment, ensuring reliable contact without requiring precise manual positioning or adjustment.
3Productivity
If multiple lines are to be tested, then each harness must be disconnected and reconnected, but this increases complexity and risk of misconnection
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple terminal studs are mounted on the same enclosure, and a single switch plate provides conductive engagement for all terminal studs simultaneously. By sliding the switch plate, all harness connections are engaged or disengaged in one action, combining multiple operations into a single movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch plate is pre-configured with conductive portions positioned to engage multiple terminal studs at once. The enlarged portions of the openings are pre-positioned to guide the conductive portions into proper alignment with multiple terminal studs, enabling simultaneous engagement of all connections in a single sliding action.
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly isolation or grounding of multiple lines, ensuring proper bonding and reducing the risk of misconnection during testing, while maintaining the harnesses in a connected state.
Implementation Method 1
When the switch plate is in a first position, each conductive portion conductively engages the switch plate. When the switch plate is in a second position, each conductive portion is conductively isolated from the switch plate.
Data Source
AI summary
An isolating ground switch includes an enclosure with a frontal surface. A slide channel opens through the top of the enclosure. A conductive switch plate is received in the channel and is bi-directionally slidably positionable between the first position and the second position. A plurality of terminal studs project forwardly from the frontal surface of the enclosure and rearwardly conductively communicate with a conductive portion. When the switch plate is in the first position, the conductive portion engages the switch plate. When the switch plate is in the second position, the conductive portion is isolated from the switch plate.