Splined Interrupter Shaft Bracket for Precise Pin Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc interrupter assembly processes are manually taxing, imprecise, and wasteful due to the need for drilling holes for pin connections, which can lead to improper installation and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A drive shaft with pre-drilled holes and splined ends, along with complementary cavities in extensions, allows for precise alignment and secure connection without manual drilling, using pins to couple the drive shaft to the extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual drilling is used to create holes for pin connection, then the assembly process can be completed, but the process becomes manually taxing and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The holes for pin connection are pre-drilled and pre-tapped into the drive shaft and extension during manufacturing, before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual drilling during assembly, making the process easier and more precise. The technician simply needs to align the pre-drilled holes and insert the pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft and extension are designed with self-aligning features including keyed connections and complementary shapes that automatically guide the components into proper alignment during assembly. This self-service mechanism ensures precise hole alignment without requiring manual measurement or adjustment by the technician.
2Productivity
If manual drilling is used to create holes for pin connection, then the assembly can be completed, but the process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holes for pin connection are pre-drilled and pre-tapped into the drive shaft and extension during manufacturing, before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming manual drilling step during assembly, significantly reducing assembly time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft and extension are designed with self-aligning features including keyed connections and complementary shapes that automatically guide the components into proper alignment during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual measurement and adjustment, reducing assembly time.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual drilling is used to create holes for pin connection, then the assembly can be completed, but material waste increases due to improper drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The holes for pin connection are pre-drilled and pre-tapped into the drive shaft and extension during manufacturing under controlled conditions. This preliminary action ensures proper hole placement without the risk of improper drilling during field assembly, eliminating material waste from failed assembly attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft and extension are designed with self-aligning features including keyed connections and complementary shapes that automatically guide the components into proper alignment during assembly. This self-service mechanism prevents improper hole alignment that would lead to discarded parts.
Data Source
AI summary
An interrupter device includes a drive shaft, a first extension, and a bracket. The drive shaft includes a first end, a second end, and a central portion between the first and second ends. The first end has a first splined shape and a first end opening. The second end has a second splined shape. The central portion is cylindrical. The first extension includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a cavity with a shape complementary to the first splined shape and a first portion opening extending into the cavity. The second portion includes a plurality of teeth. The bracket includes a bracket opening with a plurality of bracket teeth spaced around an inner surface of the bracket opening. The first end can be received in the cavity so that the first end opening is aligned with the first portion opening to receive a pin.