Retrofittable Snap-Action Switch Lock for Circuit Breakers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-voltage protection devices, such as circuit breakers, lack a simple and efficient method for retrofitting quick switching functionality, which is necessary for handling larger nominal currents without increasing complexity or storage costs.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable switch lock mechanism with a blocking part and return spring, where the locking part is Z-shaped and snaps onto a bearing, and the return spring is J-shaped, allowing for easy and secure mounting, enabling abrupt switching on without additional space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a retrofittable device for instantaneous switching is implemented, then quick switching functionality is achieved for handling larger nominal currents, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching lock assembly is divided into a basic assembly and a retrofittable instantaneous switching device. The retrofittable device comprises a blocking part with a tongue element and a return spring, which can be added to the basic assembly to enable instantaneous switching functionality. This segmentation allows the same basic assembly to serve both standard and quick-switching applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking part is designed with a pre-formed tongue element that engages with the roller at a specific position. The return spring is pre-positioned to apply force to the tongue element. When the handle is rotated, the tongue element automatically engages with the roller at the predetermined position, enabling instantaneous switching without requiring complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If different switch lock assemblies are manufactured for standard and quick switching applications, then specific functionality is optimized, but storage and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The basic switching lock assembly is designed to be universal and can function in both standard switching and instantaneous switching applications. By adding the retrofittable blocking part and return spring, the same basic assembly achieves quick switching capability. This eliminates the need to manufacture and store separate assemblies for different applications, reducing inventory complexity and storage costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual assembly of pre-assembled key switch assemblies is performed, then assembly precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofittable device incorporates a dynamic engagement mechanism where the tongue element of the blocking part automatically engages with the roller during handle rotation. The return spring provides dynamic force to ensure proper engagement. This dynamic design allows for simpler, faster assembly processes while maintaining precision through the self-aligning nature of the engagement mechanism.
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
This solution reduces the variability of pre-assembled switch lock assemblies, lowers storage and handling costs, and simplifies the assembly process by allowing for easy control of quick activation needs, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly of pre-assembled key switch assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The return spring (7) is J-shaped with two legs (12, 13) which are connected to one another via a connecting region (14). The one leg (12) of the return spring (7) is attached to the tongue (9) of the locking element (6), whereas the other leg (13) of the return spring (7) is attached to the switching circuit board (2).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a switching lock for a low-voltage protection device with two opposing switching circuit boards (1, 2), wherein a rotatable handle (3) is arranged between the switching circuit boards (1, 2) and is operatively connected to a roller (16) via a bracket (15). The invention is characterized in that the roller (15) is operatively connected to a retrofittable device for dynamic switching, by means of which a switching lever (5) is moved into a corresponding switching position.