Swingable Interlocking Element for Low Voltage Contactors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low voltage electrical appliances with mechanical interlocking functions have complex structures, high component counts, and large sizes, limiting their manufacturing efficiency and flexibility for independent use or combination into interlocked groups.

Innovation Solution

A low voltage electrical appliance design featuring a mechanical interlock mechanism with a swingable interlocking element and tangs that prevent simultaneous closure of contact holding sliding parts, allowing for independent use and flexible combination of identical appliances into interlocked groups, with a simplified structure and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical interlocking module with multiple components (housing, ram head-shaped interlocking member, push rods, contact holders, screw rods, internally threaded inserts) is used, then the interlocking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and occupies too much space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking functionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the interlocking element with the base into a single integrated component. The interlocking element is directly formed on the base with a pivot shaft disposed on the base, eliminating the need for separate housing, push rods, and threaded inserts. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the interlocking function between parallel electrical appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the interlocking mechanism and the pivot point for the tangs. The tangs themselves perform dual functions of locking and unlocking based on their rotational position. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a mechanical interlocking module with multiple components is used, then the interlocking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple components into a single integrated interlocking element on the base, the manufacturing process is simplified. Fewer parts mean fewer manufacturing steps, less assembly work, and lower overall production costs while maintaining the required interlocking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a mechanical interlocking module with multiple components is used, then the interlocking function is achieved, but the size of the appliance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking functionVSAvoidappliance size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the interlocking element directly on the base eliminates the need for additional space-consuming components like separate housings and multiple linkages. This compact design achieves the interlocking function within a smaller footprint, reducing the overall appliance size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If individual contactors are designed with fixed interlocking mechanisms, then interlocking is achieved, but the contactors cannot be used independently or freely combined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking functionVSAvoidflexibility of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking element with rotatable tangs is designed to work with any number of parallel electrical appliances. Each appliance equipped with this mechanism can function independently or be freely combined with others, as the tangs can engage with or disengage from the locking apertures based on the rotational position, providing universal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Ease of manufacture

If a simplified interlocking mechanism is used, then manufacturing is easier and costs are reduced, but the interlocking reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinterlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tangs are designed with curved surfaces that engage with the locking apertures. This curved geometry provides smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining reliable mechanical interlocking. The rotational movement of the tangs along the curved path ensures positive locking when engaged and easy release when disengaged, maintaining reliability despite the simplified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2124235B1A low voltage apparatus having mechanical interlocking means

Publication Date: 2016.10.26 ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRIC CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A low voltage electrical appliance having a mechanical interlock means comprises at least two contactors, wherein every contactor includes a base (11, 21), a support (12, 22), a top cover (4) and a contact holding sliding part (13, 23) in the base. Two contactors which are arranged in parallel both have one mechanical interlock means, which includes an interlocking element (3). The shaft of the interlocking element (3) may rotate in the slot of the base (11, 21). By the swinging of the interlocking element (3), a tang of the interlocking element (3) extends into the locking aperture of the contact holding sliding part, thereby preventing the energization action of the contact holding sliding part.