Modular Auxiliary Switching Unit With Elastic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching devices, particularly contactors, face challenges in adapting to different switching device designs due to mechanical coupling limitations, leading to increased production costs and susceptibility to dimensional deviations.

Innovation Solution

A modular auxiliary switching unit with an elastic element, such as a pressure spring, allows for flexible coupling with base modules of varying dimensions, enabling the use of external auxiliary switching units of smaller dimensions and optimizing overall depth, while allowing for independent selection of connection technology and easy retrofitting of damping elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical coupling of auxiliary switching unit is executed on base module of all dimensions, then switching device can be adapted to different designs, but different magnetic paths prevent universal mechanical coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different switching device designsVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary switching unit is designed as a separate modular component that can be independently coupled to different base modules. The magnetic path is segmented into the base module's magnetic path and the auxiliary switching unit's magnetic path, allowing each to be optimized independently while maintaining universal mechanical coupling through standardized coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If dedicated devices are produced for different switching device designs, then specific connection facilities are optimized, but production costs increase due to complex tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization of connection facilitiesVSAvoidproduction cost efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base module is designed with universal mechanical coupling elements that can accommodate different auxiliary switching units and connection facilities. This multi-functionality allows a single base module design to serve multiple switching device configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated tooling for each design variant and reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If base module incorporates different magnetic paths for universal coupling, then adaptability improves, but dimensional deviations and susceptibility to failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal mechanical couplingVSAvoidsusceptibility to dimensional deviations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic path is divided into separate segments - the base module's magnetic path and the auxiliary switching unit's magnetic path. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its own optimized magnetic path without compromise, ensuring reliable magnetic flux flow while maintaining universal mechanical coupling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables the creation of adaptable switching devices with reduced component variance and production costs, facilitating the use of various auxiliary modules and connection technologies, enhancing client acceptance and simplifying handling by decoupling the magnetic path from the auxiliary switching unit.

Implementation Method 1

different paths are transferable to the contact system of the auxiliary switching unit via an elastic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic path transfer: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a control current flows in a magnetic coil, where contact is effected mechanically via magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10636589B2Switching device with a modular auxiliary switching unit

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A switching device includes a base module equipped with an electromagnetic drive that has a yoke, a coil and an armature arranged movably relative to the yoke, and that has a switching contact that includes a stationary switching piece and a movable switching piece arranged opposite the stationary switching piece, wherein the switching contact is switchable between an “open” position and a “closed” position via movement of the armature, where the switching device also includes a modular auxiliary switching unit equipped with a contact system that consists of a stationary switching piece and a movable switching piece arranged opposite the stationary switching piece such that the coupling between the base module and the modular auxiliary switching unit is configured such that different distances in the contact system of the auxiliary switching unit are transferrable during a trigger event via an elastic element regardless of the auxiliary switching unit in use.