Retractable Pin Modular Device Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing modular devices for electrical distribution boards face difficulties in assembly due to the permanently projecting auxiliary pin, which requires a rocking or pivoting movement, making it unsuitable for all configurations, especially not suitable for lightning arrester blocks, and complicates the connection between the circuit breaker and auxiliary devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular device with a pin that can be moved in translation along an axis perpendicular to one of the main lateral faces between retracted and extended positions, allowing for a reversible movement, and a modular interface that includes a lock, a control part, and a fork mechanism to facilitate mechanical and electrical connection between the circuit breaker and protective devices against overvoltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary pin is permanently positioned projecting from the main side face, then the mechanical connection between the circuit breaker and auxiliary device is established, but the assembly process becomes complicated and requires rocking or pivoting movements that are not suitable for all configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be retracted into the housing or extended from the housing as needed. This dynamic positioning capability enables the pin to adapt to different assembly configurations without requiring complex rocking or pivoting movements, thus improving assembly ease while maintaining reliable mechanical connection when extended.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary pin is permanently positioned projecting from the main side face, then the status transfer function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for locking mechanisms and specific assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The pin can be retracted into the housing to avoid interference during assembly and only extended when needed for connection, simplifying the overall assembly procedure while maintaining the status transfer function when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is pre-positioned within the housing in a retracted state, ready to be extended when assembly is required. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms and simplifies the assembly procedure while ensuring reliable status transfer when the pin is extended and engaged.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pin is moved between retracted and extended positions, then the compatibility with various configurations is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions along an axis perpendicular to the main lateral face, enabling compatibility with various assembly configurations. The control mechanism operates in translation in an oblique direction, which is mechanically simpler than rotary or multi-axis control systems, thus achieving configuration compatibility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular device (300) comprising a housing (310) having two parallel lateral main faces (313), one of which is adapted to be attached to another modular device. The housing contains state reporting elements and a pin (133) connected to one of these elements (131). According to the invention, said pin is adapted to be moved in translation along an axis (X) perpendicular to one of the lateral main faces between a retracted position in which said pin is placed inside the housing, recessed from said lateral main face, and an extended position in which said pin passes through an opening provided in said lateral main face to extend outside said housing, projecting from said lateral main face.The invention also relates to a self-protected electrical assembly comprising a protective device as mentioned above and a circuit breaker assembled together by one of their main lateral faces.