Multipole Switching Device Movable Front Cover Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-pole switching devices for busbar systems do not adequately protect operators from electrical hazards when switching or replacing components like fuses, as they lack mechanisms to prevent access to live parts during voltage states.

Innovation Solution

A multi-pole switching device with a movable front cover that locks receiving units when switched on, ensuring operators cannot touch live parts and requiring all spring-loaded terminals to be closed for the device to be switched on, thereby preventing accidental exposure to electrical hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the multi-pole switching device is switched on, then the switching contacts are closed and electrical devices are powered, but operators risk touching live parts when replacing components like fuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcomponent replacement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front cover is designed as a movable component that dynamically changes position based on the switching state. When the device is switched on, the front cover automatically moves to a locked position that blocks access to receiving units. When switched off, it moves to an unlocked position allowing component replacement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the device state-dependent accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The front cover acts as an intermediary element between the switching mechanism and the receiving units. It mediates access control by physically blocking or exposing the receiving units based on the switching state, thereby preventing direct access to live parts while maintaining operational accessibility when safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the movable front cover locks receiving units when switched on, then operator protection against electrical shocks is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical hazard protectionVSAvoidswitching mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the front cover itself rather than being a separate mechanism. The front cover serves dual purposes: it protects the receiving units and simultaneously acts as the locking element when in the closed position. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The front cover is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it serves as a protective barrier, a locking mechanism, and an access control element. By making the front cover universal in its functions, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If access openings for mechanical drives are covered when switched on, then protection against touching live parts is enhanced, but ease of maintenance and operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelive part protectionVSAvoidterminal access for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front cover's position is dynamically controlled by the switching state. When switched on, it automatically covers the access openings to protect against live parts. When switched off, it automatically uncovers them to allow maintenance access. This dynamic state-dependent behavior resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2747104B1Multipole switching device
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 WOHNER GMBH & CO KG ELEKTROTECHNISCHE SYST
  • EP2747104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2747104B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2747104B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a conversion module connected with a locking component. A front cover is provided with an operation unit. A cam control mechanism is provided with a multi-pole switch device shell. A multi-pole switching module is connected with the front cover. A spring terminal is connected with a mechanical drive terminal that is provided with a screw thread. A mechanical driving pin is connected with the spring terminal that is equipped in a movable front cover groove. A movable cover is connected with a blocking sheet. The front cover is formed with a detecting hole.