Rotary Switch Operator With Integrated Tripper Reset and Panel Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotary switches require a reset button that occupies panel space and deteriorates sealing performance, necessitating a hole in the mounting panel for operation, which is inefficient and compromises the sealing integrity.

Innovation Solution

A rotary operator with a handle, fastening base, and pressing component that allows the tripper of a circuit breaker to be reset by sliding the pressing component relative to the fastening base, enabling contact or separation from the tripper without the need for a separate reset button, thus maintaining sealing integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate reset button is provided on the mounting panel, then the tripper can be reset after switching operation, but panel space is occupied and sealing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetripper reset operationVSAvoidpanel space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reset function into the rotary operator itself by integrating a pressing component that can push the tripper reset button. The rotary operator now performs both switching operation and tripper reset function through a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for a separate reset button on the panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary operator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the switching operation mechanism and as the tripper reset mechanism. The pressing component within the rotary operator can push the tripper reset button, allowing one device to perform multiple functions without requiring additional separate components on the panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate reset button is provided on the mounting panel, then the tripper can be reset after switching operation, but sealing performance of the rotary switch and cabinet deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetripper reset operationVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reset function into the rotary operator itself by integrating a pressing component that can push the tripper reset button. The rotary operator now performs both switching operation and tripper reset function through a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for a separate reset button on the panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the reset button function from the panel mounting and relocates it to the rotary operator structure. By removing the need for a separate reset button on the panel, the sealing structure of both the rotary switch and cabinet is preserved without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the pressing component is sleeved on the transmission end of the handle, then the tripper can be reset by sliding the pressing component, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetripper reset operationVSAvoidrotary operator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing component is designed to be slidable along the transmission end of the handle, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. This sliding mechanism allows the pressing component to move between retracted and extended positions, enabling it to push the tripper reset button when needed while maintaining a compact form when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing component is nested within the rotary operator structure, specifically sleeved on the transmission end of the handle. When not in use, the pressing component is retracted into the rotary operator body, creating a compact nested configuration. When needed, it extends outward to push the tripper reset button, achieving space-efficient integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4224509B1Rotary operator and rotary switch
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4224509B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4224509B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4224509B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A rotary operator and a rotary switch are disclosed, relating to the technical field of switches. The rotary operator includes a handle, a fastening base, and a pressing component. The fastening base is provided with an accommodation cavity. A transmission end of the handle is inserted in the accommodation cavity and is capable of relatively rotating in the accommodation cavity. The pressing component is sleeved on the transmission end of the handle and is slidably connected to the fastening base. The handle is pushed to move along an axis of the accommodation cavity, so that the pressing component moves relative to the fastening base to be in contact with or be separated from a tripper of a circuit breaker. The rotary operator can reset the tripper of the circuit breaker easily after a switching operation is completed.