Modular Low Voltage Switch Segmentation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-voltage electrical installation devices require complex assembly with multiple blocks, leading to increased electrical susceptibility and mechanical instability due to numerous connections and block nesting.
Innovation Solution
A modular design where two distinct partial products are used, with one having a housing receiving opening for the other, allowing for simplified assembly and independent production and testing, reducing the need for extensive electrical connections and enhancing mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blocks are nested and connected to create installation devices with different functions, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity and electrical susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation device is divided into a base body and separate functional blocks that can be independently produced and tested. Each block contains specific functional groups (electromagnetic block with electromagnet, control block with control elements) that can be selectively assembled onto the base body, allowing versatility without requiring complex nested assemblies of multiple blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different functional blocks to create various installation devices (contactor, overload switch, starter). This multi-functional base body reduces the need for multiple specialized blocks and simplifies the overall assembly structure while maintaining device versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blocks are nested and connected to create installation devices with different functions, then device versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased electrical susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a base body and separate functional blocks with defined connection interfaces, the number of electrical connections is reduced compared to nested block designs. Each block connects to the base body through standardized interfaces, minimizing the total number of connectors and reducing electrical susceptibility while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If blocks are attached with clips and nested together, then ease of assembly is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base body and functional blocks that attach via clips, but the base body provides a stable foundation that reduces the impact of block attachment on overall mechanical stability. The segmentation allows for simple clip-based assembly while the integrated base body maintains structural rigidity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive electrical connections are made through nested blocks, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity and electrical susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base body serves as a universal connection platform with standardized electrical interfaces that can accommodate different functional blocks. This universal design reduces the number of specialized connectors needed, as the same base body connections can serve multiple functional configurations, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing the total quantity of connectors.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical equipment (1) comprises a first member (10) and a second member (12). The first member (10) has a first function assembly (10'), and the second member (12) has a second function assembly (12'). The second member (12) is placed in a case opening (24) of the first member (10) in order to form the electrical equipment (1).