Removable Electrical Connection Device for Auxiliary Power Supply

Solution Overview

Problem

The connection of a supply conductor to an input conductor in electrical switching devices is difficult and often results in unreliable and non-reproducible electrical connections, especially when auxiliary modules require a power supply that must remain operational even when the switching device cuts off current flow.

Innovation Solution

A removable connection device with a primary connection member and a secondary connection member, both housed within an insulating shell, which allows for easy connection of a primary conductor to a connection pad and a secondary conductor for powering auxiliary modules, featuring fixing means for secure attachment to the switching device and conductive connecting pieces for reliable electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the supply conductor is connected to the input conductor by inserting them together in the same connection member, then the auxiliary module can be powered even when the switching device cuts off current, but the connection is difficult to implement and not reliable or reproducible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection implementation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a primary connection member for the input conductor, a secondary connection member for the supply conductor, and a conductive connecting piece that bridges them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A conductive connecting piece serves as an intermediary element between the primary connection member (input conductor) and the secondary connection member (supply conductor). This intermediary ensures reliable and reproducible electrical connection while allowing for easier assembly and disassembly of the connection device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a removable connection device is used to connect conductors to connection pads, then the connection can be easily made and dismantled without specific tools, but the connection of the supply conductor to the input conductor remains difficult and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a primary connection member for the input conductor, a secondary connection member for the supply conductor, and a conductive connecting piece that bridges them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A conductive connecting piece serves as an intermediary element between the primary connection member (input conductor) and the secondary connection member (supply conductor). This intermediary ensures reliable and reproducible electrical connection while allowing for easier assembly and disassembly of the connection device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the connection device includes fixing members for manual attachment to the switching device, then the fixation is simple and tool-free, but the electrical connection between conductors may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation simplicityVSAvoidelectrical connection consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a primary connection member for the input conductor, a secondary connection member for the supply conductor, and a conductive connecting piece that bridges them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A conductive connecting piece serves as an intermediary element between the primary connection member (input conductor) and the secondary connection member (supply conductor). This intermediary ensures reliable and reproducible electrical connection while allowing for easier assembly and disassembly of the connection device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3032562B1Electric connexion device including an auxiliary output, and electrical switching device comprising such a device

Publication Date: 2018.04.11 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (6) for connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical connection point of an electrical switching device, the switching device comprising an electrical switching module connected to the electrical connection point. The connection device (6) includes at least one primary electrical connection element (18) for connecting a primary conductor to the connection point, and an insulating shell (22) receiving each primary connection element (18). The connection device (6) further includes at least one secondary connection element (20) for connecting a secondary electrical conductor, and for each secondary connection element (20), an electrically conductive connecting piece (24) connected between said secondary connection element (20) and a respective primary connection element (18).