Modular Electrical Apparatus Lockable Control Lever Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electrical apparatuses with lockable control levers require complex structures and are not practical for easy operation when multiple units are coupled or mounted side-by-side, as they often necessitate redundant designs and cumbersome locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical apparatus with a control lever that features a 'C'-profiled gripping element, which can be removably locked using a cable tie or similar locking element, allowing for simultaneous locking of multiple units via grooves on adjacent sides, reducing structural complexity and enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding portion of control lever is provided to enable locking, then the control lever can be locked in operative positions, but the structure of control lever becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the control lever itself and transferred to an external locking element (such as a cable tie or separate locking mechanism). The control lever retains only its gripping function, while the locking capability is provided by a separate, simpler component that can be applied independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the control lever for manual operation and a distinct locking element for securing the lever in position. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the complexity of the control lever while maintaining reliable locking capability.
2Reliability
If additional locking elements and tie wraps are used to lock control lever, then the control lever can be locked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be universal and can be applied to multiple control levers simultaneously. A single locking element can secure several adjacent modular electrical apparatuses, reducing the overall number of locking components needed and simplifying the locking mechanism while maintaining reliability across multiple units.
3Reliability
If complex locking structures are implemented in modular electrical apparatuses, then locking capability is achieved, but ease of operation decreases when multiple units are coupled side-by-side
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single locking element that can simultaneously secure several control levers. This combining approach allows operators to lock multiple adjacent modular electrical apparatuses with one action, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable locking capability across all units.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular electrical apparatus (10) comprising: - a generally box-shaped main body (11) defining an internal space adapted for housing electromechanical components and comprising two side faces (12, 13) that are generally parallel to one another and a front face (16); - a control lever (25') projecting from the front face, movable between two operative positions and able to be locked in at least one of such operative positions. A groove (35) is defined on at least one of said side faces (12, 13), extending between two opposite openings (36, 37) for giving access to the groove that open out on the front face, the groove being able to have a locking element (70) pass through it, intended to be closed in a noose or loop to lock the control lever.