Modular Electrical Switch Actuation Block Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular electrical switching devices face challenges in synchronized control of multiple cut-off blocks, with complex control systems leading to reliability issues and differing maintenance needs for electronic and electromechanical components, complicating modularity, installation, and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical switching device with a simplified architecture featuring an actuation block and cut-off block, where the actuation block includes an electromagnetic actuator and a removable electronic control module, allowing for synchronized control of multiple cut-off blocks through quick-fixing means and adaptive connection of control coils, facilitating easy maintenance and integration of thermal protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex control means are used to control multiple cut-off blocks, then the control functionality is improved, but the reliability deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into independent electromagnetic actuators, each controlling a specific cut-off block. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate independently, improving reliability while maintaining control functionality for multiple poles through the modular architecture of separate cut-off blocks housed in a multipolar box.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If electronic control means are used, then the volume and consumption are reduced, but the maintenance complexity increases due to different maintenance levels required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Electromagnetic actuators serve as intermediary components between electronic control signals and mechanical cut-off actions. These actuators convert electrical signals into mechanical motion, enabling compact design while maintaining simple maintenance characteristics through their robust electromechanical construction that combines the benefits of both electronic control and mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cut-off blocks are assembled in a casing, then the modularity is improved, but the synchronized control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemodularityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent cut-off blocks that can be individually housed in a multipolar box. Each block maintains independent controllability through dedicated electromagnetic actuators, allowing modular assembly while avoiding complex synchronization mechanisms. The segmentation enables flexible configuration for different pole numbers without increasing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If removable electronic thermal protection is integrated, then the adaptability is improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuators are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection methods that accommodate both standard cut-off blocks and removable electronic thermal protection modules. This universality allows the same actuator design to control different types of load switching elements, improving adaptability while simplifying installation through consistent mounting procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable, synchronized control of multiple cut-off blocks with reduced complexity, easy maintenance, and efficient integration of thermal protection, addressing the challenges of modularity and reliability in existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The actuation block comprises an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the electrical cut-off means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2936533B1Modular electrical switch device comprising at least one unipolar cut-off unit and a switch assembly comprising such devices

Publication Date: 2016.12.28 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular electrical switch device (1, 2) comprising a cut-off unit (100) combined with an actuating unit (200). The cut-off unit (100) comprises, in a first cavity (120) of a base (110), at least unitary cut-off units (80) having electric cut-off means (30) controlled by the actuating unit (200). The actuating unit (200) comprises an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the electric cut-off means (30). The base (110) of the cut-off unit (100) comprises at least one second cavity (130) having an internal volume delimited by a wall, said second cavity (130) being positioned between an outer face of said base (110) and the first cavity (120).