Snap-Action Switch Mechanism for Bounce-Resistant Busbar Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices for busbar systems face challenges in achieving reliable and operator-independent switching, particularly in ensuring safe and precise switching behavior with limited installation space and high mechanical forces, while also addressing bouncing issues caused by mechanical and electromagnetic forces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pole switching device with a snap-action switching mechanism featuring a joint arrangement of pivot levers connected via a displaceable connecting means and a guide structure, allowing for large pivot angle ranges and adjustable lever arms, which interacts differently with the guide structure at various trajectory sections to manage forces and prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap-action mechanism with pivot levers is used to achieve operator-independent switching, then switching reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is divided into separate pivot levers (first pivot lever, second pivot lever) that can independently pivot about different axes, allowing complex switching behavior to be achieved through coordinated simple components. Each lever handles a specific aspect of the switching motion, reducing individual component complexity while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with sliding mounts in both pivot levers, allowing it to displace and change its position dynamically during the switching process. This dynamic adjustment enables the mechanism to adapt to different trajectory requirements and maintain reliable switching behavior without requiring a complex fixed structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pivot angle range of the levers is increased to ensure reliable switching behavior, then switching precision is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a single-plane pivoting system to a three-dimensional system with pivot levers rotating about different axes. The first pivot lever pivots about a first pivot axis while the second pivot lever pivots about a second pivot axis, allowing the connecting element to traverse larger angular ranges without requiring proportionally larger installation space by utilizing spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable connecting element dynamically adjusts its position and orientation during the switching process, allowing the pivot levers to achieve large effective pivot angle ranges while maintaining a compact physical footprint. The sliding mounts enable the connecting element to accommodate the extended motion paths required for precise switching.
3Reliability
If the force acting on the switching contact is increased to ensure reliable switching, then switching reliability is improved, but the mechanical stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring element acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that stores and releases energy to assist the pivoting motion. When the first pivot lever pivots to the tipping point position, the restoring element is deformed and then assists further pivoting, providing a counteracting force that reduces the peak mechanical stress on the switching contact while ensuring reliable switching action.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable connecting element dynamically distributes the mechanical forces throughout the switching sequence. By allowing the connecting element to slide and adjust its position in both pivot levers, the system optimizes force transmission paths, reducing concentrated stress on individual components while maintaining sufficient force at the switching contact for reliable operation.
4Device complexity
If a common slide is used to actuate multiple switching contacts, then device complexity is reduced, but the force distribution to each contact becomes less controllable
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into multiple independent pivot levers, each capable of being independently controlled. Instead of a single common slide acting on all contacts, the first pivot lever and second pivot lever can be actuated separately, allowing precise control over the force applied to each switching contact while maintaining relatively simple individual actuation mechanisms.
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
The solution enables reliable, safe, and precise switching with enhanced operational reliability and reduced bouncing, even in constrained spaces, by allowing for adjustable switching behavior and force application, thus improving the switching device's performance and service life.
Implementation Method 1
When the switching contact moves from the contact position to the open position and/or vice versa, the first pivoting lever pivots to a tipping point position against a restoring force of the restoring element. After exceeding the tipping point position, the restoring element assists further pivoting of the first pivoting lever.
Implementation Method 2
The connecting element is slidably mounted in the first pivot lever and slidably mounted in the second pivot lever for articulated connection of the two pivot levers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switching device (1), in particular a multi-pole switching device for use on busbar systems. The switching device (1) has at least one switching contact (2), wherein the at least one switching contact (2) can be moved from a contact position to an open position and vice versa, wherein the switching device (1) has an actuable snap-action switching mechanism (5) for moving the at least one switching contact (2) from the contact position to the open position and vice versa.