Electrically Controlled Switch With Adjustable Fixed Terminal Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactors and disconnectors face challenges in high current switching operations, particularly in accommodating varying configurations of terminal contacts and requiring complex manufacture, which affects reliability and operating life.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controlled switch with adjustable fixed terminal contacts, comprising a switch body, moving contacts, guide means, and housing grooves, allowing for different configurations and easy installation, and optionally including an electromagnet and arc chute for arc dissipation, enabling flexible connection to electrical power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed terminal contacts are made in a single fixed configuration, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to different installation needs and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed terminal contacts are segmented into multiple groups (first group and second group) that can be positioned in different configurations. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various installation needs while maintaining manageable complexity through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch body is designed with universal adaptability by incorporating multiple groups of fixed terminal contacts that can be configured in different arrangements (first configuration with first group accessible, second configuration with second group accessible). This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve various installation locations and requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the switch is designed for specific terminal contact configurations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed terminal contacts are designed with dynamic configurability, allowing the device to switch between different contact arrangements (first configuration and second configuration) based on installation needs. This dynamic design improves installation ease while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple groups of fixed terminal contacts are pre-positioned in the switch body during manufacturing at different predetermined locations. This preliminary action allows the device to be easily installed in different configurations by simply selecting which pre-positioned contacts to use, without requiring complex field modifications.
3Reliability
If a single contactor design is used for all applications, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability for specific applications may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor design is segmented into multiple groups of fixed terminal contacts (first group and second group) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the device to be optimized for specific applications by using only the necessary contact groups, improving reliability while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different groups of fixed terminal contacts are positioned at different locations on the switch body with different accessibility characteristics. This local quality optimization allows the device to achieve high reliability for specific applications by matching the contact configuration to the installation environment, while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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 provides a reliable, long-lasting, and easily installable switch that can be used in both contactor and disconnector applications, ensuring high current switching operations with adaptable configurations and improved arc management, suitable for various electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The switch comprises a switch body, a couple of moving contacts, a guide means to drive the couple of moving contacts up to an abutting (contact) position, a housing groove running perimetric in the switch body, at least one contact bar for connecting each moving contact to a respective fixed terminal contact of the switch, the contact bar being hosted within at least a portion of the housing groove and having a free end projecting from the switch body to form the fixed terminal contacts through a corresponding aperture of the switch body located on a same lateral side or on opposite lateral sides, respectively
Implementation Method 2
A disconnector lacks a mechanism for suppression of electric arcs, which occur when conductors carrying high currents are electrically interrupted
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to an electrically controlled switch for high current switching operations and with different configurations of fixed terminal contacts that includes a switch body, a couple of moving contacts, a guide that drives the couple of moving contacts up to an abutting position, a housing groove running perimetric in the switch body, and at least one contact bar for connecting each of the moving contact to a respective fixed terminal contact of the switch, wherein the contact bar is hosted within the housing groove and has a free end projecting from the switch body to form the fixed terminal contact through a corresponding aperture of the switch body located on a same lateral side or on opposite lateral sides, or on the base support, respectively.