Railway Switchgear Module Guides for Faster Circuit Breaker Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electric switching devices for railway vehicles are cumbersome and time-consuming to maintain due to their non-modular structure, which requires disassembling multiple boxes for component replacement and lacks easy access during maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric switching device with a first module housing a circuit breaker and a second module with an electric component, featuring guiding means that allow independent disengagement and reconnection of the modules, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and maintenance by allowing translation along an axis and using complementary shapes for precise alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the switching device uses a modular structure with separate boxes for circuit breaker and electric components, then the device can be assembled and disassembled, but access to components during maintenance remains difficult and requires disassembling multiple boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a first module containing the circuit breaker and a second module containing electric components, with each module independently accessible. The guiding means enable the first module to move relative to the second module, allowing maintenance personnel to access either module independently without disassembling the entire device or other modules.
2Productivity
If the switching device uses a fixed structure, then assembly is simple, but maintenance requires disassembling and removing the entire device which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The first module is made movable relative to the second module through guiding means that allow translation along a guide axis. This dynamic structure enables rapid connection and disconnection of modules during maintenance operations, eliminating the need to disassemble and remove the entire fixed structure, thereby significantly reducing maintenance time and operational complexity.
3Ease of repair
If the first support is made movable with guiding means for complete disconnection, then components can be accessed, but the structure becomes bulky and the disconnection operation remains cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two independent modules (first module with circuit breaker, second module with electric components) that can be separately accessed. The guiding means are integrated into this segmented structure, allowing the first module to move independently along a compact guide axis without requiring a bulky overall structure. This segmentation enables component accessibility while maintaining a space-efficient design.
4Productivity
If the modules are permanently connected, then the structure is compact, but maintenance requires complete disassembly which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The modular structure incorporates dynamic guiding means that allow the first module to move relative to the second module along a guide axis. This dynamic capability enables rapid connection and disconnection of modules during maintenance operations, eliminating the need to completely disassemble the entire device. The guiding means are integrated into the modular design, adding minimal complexity while dramatically improving maintenance efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
This electric switching device (2) comprises a first module (4), including a first support (42) on which a circuit breaker (44) is mounted, and at least one second module (6), including a second support (62) on which an electric component (64) is mounted that is able to be associated with the circuit breaker. In particular in order to facilitate the maintenance of this switching device, the latter includes guiding means (81 and 82) that are able to guide the first and second supports relative to one another between a disassembled configuration, in which at least one of the first and second modules is disengageable from the guiding means independently of the other, and an assembled configuration, in which the circuit breaker and the electric component are in a relative connection position and are able to be electrically connected to or disconnected from one another.