NH Fuse-Disconnector Input Protection With Detachable Side Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protection modules for NH fuse disconnector type electrical switching equipment fail to ensure operator safety both with and without a current measuring device, as the presence of openings compromises the IP2X protection index when the device is not mounted.

Innovation Solution

A protection module with detachable portions that can be mechanically connected and disconnected using breakable means, allowing the module to adapt to the presence or absence of a current measuring device while maintaining safety by preventing access to the power input from the sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a housing with openings over the entire surface of the side walls is used to accommodate a current measuring device, then the current measuring device can be mounted, but operator safety with an IP2X protection rating can no longer be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with current measuring deviceVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side walls of the housing are segmented into fixed portions and detachable portions. The detachable portions can be removed to accommodate current measuring devices, while the fixed portions remain to maintain the IP2X protection rating and ensure operator safety. This segmentation allows the housing to adapt to different configurations while preserving safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is made dynamic through the detachable portions that can be selectively removed or kept in place. This allows the protection module to adapt its configuration based on whether a current measuring device needs to be mounted, transitioning between a fully enclosed protective state and an open state that accommodates measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If several types of protection modules are provided depending on whether or not the current measuring device is present, then both scenarios can be covered, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of different scenariosVSAvoidnumber of protection module types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single protection module design incorporates both fixed and detachable portions, making it universal for both scenarios - with or without current measuring devices. The same housing structure serves multiple functions by allowing the detachable portions to be selectively removed, eliminating the need for multiple specialized protection module types.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4343805A1Protection module for a power supply input of an electrical switchgear of the nh fuse-disconnector type
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 HAGER ELECTRO SAS
  • EP4343805A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343805A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4343805A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a protection module for a power input (1) comprising: - a housing (2) comprising a first protection zone (3) for receiving a conductive portion and a second protection zone (5) for receiving a connection end (1b), and comprising a first side wall (6) and a second side wall, characterized in that: the first side wall (6) comprises a first detachable portion (8) located in the first protection zone (3) and a first fixed portion (9) located in the second protection zone (5), the second side wall comprises a second detachable portion located in the first protection zone (3) and a second fixed portion located in the second protection zone (5),the first detachable portion (8) and the second detachable portion being each configured to be detached from the housing (2) in a detached position by sectioning the first and second separable connecting means (12).