Overvoltage Protection Device with Integrated Rotational Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overvoltage protection devices face manufacturing complexity, high costs, and reliability issues due to delicate and precise components, as well as potential disconnection failures and erroneous signaling under vibrations or shocks, which can lead to overheating or short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with a thermo-sensitive disconnection means featuring a movable disconnection element that rotates from a closed to an open configuration, coupled with a mobile signaling element that indicates the device's state through a distinct rotational movement, simplifying the design and reducing frictional issues, and using a cam-type connection for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a signaling slider is added to the disconnection means, then the device can indicate its state, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to delicate parts with strict tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signaling function with the disconnection element itself. The disconnection element is designed with a specific shape that allows it to directly indicate its state (connected or disconnected) without requiring a separate signaling slider. This integration eliminates the need for additional delicate parts while maintaining reliable state indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the signaling slider from the system entirely. Instead of adding a separate signaling component that interacts with the disconnection means, the invention extracts the signaling function and embeds it within the disconnection element's own structure and movement characteristics.
2Loss of information
If a signaling slider is used to indicate disconnection state, then state visibility is improved, but friction and resistance increase which can prevent effective disconnection under vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the signaling slider that caused friction and resistance issues. By eliminating this intermediate component, the disconnection element can move freely without opposing forces, ensuring reliable disconnection even under vibrations or shocks, while still providing state indication through its own positional characteristics.
3Reliability
If complex signaling mechanisms are integrated into the disconnection means, then state indication is achieved, but the device becomes more difficult to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signaling capability with the disconnection element's basic structure. The element's shape, position, and movement path inherently provide state indication, eliminating the need for separate signaling components and simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
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 enhances the reliability and safety of overvoltage protection by ensuring effective disconnection and accurate signaling, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs through a more robust and compact design with fewer complex parts.
Implementation Method 1
an element which is sensitive to the heat given off by the protection component, such as a fuse solder
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
- The invention relates to a device for protecting (1) an electrical installation against overvoltages, comprising at least one protection component (2), a disconnection means (3) capable of switching from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and a signaling means (5), the disconnection means (3) and the signaling means (5) respectively comprising a movable disconnection element (4) and a movable signaling element (12), the movable disconnection element (4) being capable of moving, during the switch from the closed configuration to the open configuration, in a rotational motion along a first trajectory and then cooperating with the movable signaling element (12) to cause the latter to rotate along a second trajectory distinct from the first trajectory. - Overvoltage protection devices.