Modular Caliper Gripping Group for Switch Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changeover switches face challenges in achieving a compact configuration while ensuring reliable and efficient operation, particularly in high-current industrial applications like railways, due to the lack of effective internal locking mechanisms for movable contacts, which can lead to unstable electrical connections and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A gripping group utilizing modular caliper-like elements with angularly movable terminal finger elements and elastic returning means, providing a strong locking force and compact design suitable for various contact shapes, ensures mechanical stability and correct electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known locking mechanisms are used to fix the positions of the movable contacts, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper-like element is designed to automatically lock the movable contact in position through its own elastic deformation. When the movable contact is inserted, the elastic returning means (spring) automatically pushes the terminal finger elements to grip and hold the contact, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal finger elements act as intermediary components between the movable contact and the supporting frame. These finger elements transmit and distribute the locking force evenly across the movable contact, ensuring reliable electrical connection while simplifying the overall structure by using a distributed force system rather than a complex centralized locking mechanism
2Volume of moving object
If the switch is designed to be compact, then the volume is reduced, but the internal locking mechanism becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal finger elements are nested within the caliper-like element structure, with the spring embedded inside the caliper body. This nesting arrangement allows all components to be packed into a compact volume while maintaining their functional integrity and ease of assembly, as the elements can be pre-assembled and installed as a unit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the caliper-like element: it serves as both the locking mechanism and the structural support for the movable contact. The terminal finger elements combine the functions of electrical connection, mechanical locking, and positional stabilization, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying manufacturing
3Ease of manufacture
If modular caliper-like elements with elastic returning means are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping group is segmented into multiple independent caliper-like elements, each capable of independently gripping and locking a movable contact. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of identical modules, greatly simplifying manufacturing while the modular nature actually reduces overall system complexity through repetition of proven, simple units
Solution Approach 2:
The caliper-like elements are designed as universal components that can grip various shapes and sizes of movable contacts. The terminal finger elements can be adjusted or configured to accommodate different contact geometries, making the same basic structure applicable across multiple applications and reducing the need for custom-designed components
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
The solution enables a compact, reliable, and efficient switch configuration that maintains electrical connections even under vibration, supports high current rates without damage, and simplifies manufacturing, making it suitable for diverse power switch applications.
Implementation Method 1
each including respective terminal finger elements being angularly movable one with respect to the other, mutually approaching and moving away in contrast with elastic returning means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gripping group (31, 32) for a switch, changeover switch, disconnector or generally a power switch (1), said power switch (1) being mounted inside an insulated switch body (2) and comprising at least a movable contact (29) providing an electrical connection, said gripping group (31, 32) being configured to grip said at least a movable contact (29) of said power switch (1), wherein a modular structure comprising a plurality of caliper-like elements (60) being parallelly mounted on a supporting frame (46) and in turn including respective terminal finger elements (45) being angularly movable one with respect to the other, mutually approaching and moving away in contrast with elastic returning means (47).