Mechanical Lockout for Non-Mechanical Electronic Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical lockout devices are incompatible with non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switches, which lack movable control parts, posing a safety risk in hazardous environments due to the inability to securely lock and unlock these switches without causing electrical arcing or sparking.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical lockout device for non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switches is designed with a protrusion that inserts through an aperture in the switch's housing, controlling the electronic switching mechanism to secure or release the switch, providing both tactile and visual indications of its state without moving parts that could cause arcing or sparking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical lockout devices are used on non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switches, then the switches can be secured, but the lockout device becomes incompatible and cannot securely lock the switch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of lockout deviceVSAvoidsecurity of lockout

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical interface component within the housing that bridges the non-mechanical electronic switch and the mechanical lockout device. This intermediary mechanism includes a movable element that can be actuated by the electronic switch's internal mechanism, allowing traditional mechanical lockout devices to securely lock non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switches without direct mechanical contact between the lockout device and the electronic switch components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical control parts are added to non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switches to enable lockout, then lockout capability is achieved, but the risk of electrical arcing and sparking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelockout capabilityVSAvoidelectrical arcing and sparking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mechanical interface functionality from the electronic switch's control mechanism and separates it into a dedicated intermediary component within the housing. This allows the main electronic switching mechanism to remain non-mechanical and free from arcing risks, while the extracted intermediary component provides the necessary mechanical interface for lockout devices without compromising the safety of the primary electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the lockout interface into a separate mechanical component within the housing that is distinct from the electronic switching mechanism. This segmentation isolates the mechanical elements required for lockout functionality from the electronic components that could be susceptible to arcing, allowing each to operate independently without compromising safety or functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical actuation is used in electronic switches, then mechanical lockout devices can be employed, but the complexity of the switching mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelockout compatibilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lockout interface functionality with the existing housing structure of the electronic switch. The intermediary mechanical component is integrated into the housing rather than being a separate external addition, combining the structural support function of the housing with the new lockout interface function. This reduces overall device complexity compared to adding a completely separate mechanical actuation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11613915B2Mechanical lockout for non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switch

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switch or a mechanical-interfacing electronic switch are controlled to modulate between an active state and an inactive state based on electronic action. The switch includes an aperture defining an opening in a housing, and the opening defines an insertion path. A transmitter transmits a signal to a receiver along a signal path. To control the non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switch, a mechanical lockout device having a protrusion is inserted through the opening of the aperture along the insertion path. To control the mechanical-interfacing electronic switch, a mechanical control part have a protrusion is moveable to interrupt the signal. Methods of locking the non-mechanical-interfacing electronic switch with the mechanical lockout device as well as methods of locking the mechanical control part of the mechanical interfacing electronic switch with the mechanical lockout device are also provided.