Movable Slider Mechanism for Electrical Device Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and removing electrical devices like circuit breakers from panelboards require significant force and are inefficient, as they often rely on manual pushing or mechanical leverage that is not optimal for both installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket with a movable slider that can be positioned for optimal force application during installation and removal, featuring a guide and slider configuration that allows for removability and secure attachment to the panelboard, made from materials like plastic or metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pushing or mechanical leverage is used for installation and removal, then the devices can be installed and removed, but significant force is required and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
A removable slider acts as an intermediary tool between the installer and the electrical device. The slider engages with the device and provides optimized leverage points, allowing force to be applied more efficiently during both installation and removal operations, thereby reducing the overall force required by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is designed to be movable and repositionable along the device, allowing the operator to dynamically adjust the position of force application based on whether installation or removal is being performed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes mechanical advantage for each operation phase.
2Reliability
If fixed mounting methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but removal requires significant force and time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: a fixed mounting bracket and a removable slider. The slider can be quickly attached and detached from the device without affecting the secure mounting of the bracket to the panelboard, enabling rapid installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-installed and secured to the panelboard before the electrical device is attached. This preliminary action ensures secure mounting is already in place, and the device can then be quickly attached and detached using the slider without requiring time-consuming operations on the mounting structure itself.
3Productivity
If optimized force application is used for installation, then installation efficiency improves, but removal still requires significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is designed with asymmetric features including a tapered leading edge for easy insertion during installation, and a flat trailing edge with engagement surfaces optimized for leverage during removal. This asymmetry allows each phase of operation to utilize the most effective geometry for that specific action.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the slider have different geometries and properties optimized for specific functions: the leading edge is tapered for insertion, the body provides structural leverage, and the trailing edge has specific engagement surfaces. This local optimization ensures both installation and removal are equally efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a mounting bracket; a member; a guide disposed in the member; and a slider, the slider configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the member, the slider being configured to move within the guide. The slider has a first end and a second end, the first end opposite the second end. The first end includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to provide a contact for application of a force in a first direction and the second portion configured to provide a contact for application of a force in a second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction.