Compact Load Break Switch with Integrated Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-break switches have large external dimensions and high material consumption, requiring additional connecting elements to connect individual housings, which increases complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A compact load-break switch design where multiple switching modules are housed within a single outer housing with a one-piece construction, eliminating the need for fastening elements and simplifying access, production, and reducing material usage by integrating components such as a one-piece drive pulley with the drive shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple switching modules are housed in separate housings, then each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, but the overall device occupies more space and requires additional connecting elements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent manufacturing of switching modulesVSAvoidExternal dimensions of the load-break switch
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate switching module housings into a single integrated outer switch housing that accommodates all switching modules internally. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate housings and connecting elements, thereby reducing the overall external dimensions and material consumption while maintaining the independent functionality of each switching module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate housings are used for switching modules, then assembly flexibility is improved, but additional fastening elements and connecting elements are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly flexibility of switching modulesVSAvoidNumber of fastening and connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates all switching modules within a single outer switch housing, eliminating the need for multiple separate housings and the fastening elements required to connect them. This reduces device complexity by removing unnecessary connecting components while maintaining assembly flexibility through the internal arrangement of switching modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate housings are used for each switching module, then modular assembly is simplified, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveModular assembly of switching modulesVSAvoidMaterial consumption for housing production
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate housing structures into a single outer switch housing that houses all switching modules. This merging eliminates redundant housing materials and connecting elements, significantly reducing overall material consumption while maintaining the modular internal structure for easy assembly and maintenance of individual switching modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3539141B1Load break switch
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 BENEDICT
  • EP3539141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3539141B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3539141B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a load break switch (1) having at least two switching modules (2), which each have stationary switch contacts (3) and movable switch contacts (4), and having a latching mechanism (8), which has a drive shaft (9) for moving the stationary switch contacts (3) and the movable switch contacts (4) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the at least two switching modules (2) are accommodated together in an interior space of an outer switch housing (6).