Electric Switch Arc Shutter Layout for Compact Frame Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric switches with lower rated currents face space constraints within their frames due to the structures required for supporting and guiding shutter elements, making them less efficient in terms of space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The electric switch incorporates a first arc shutter that moves outward parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable contact, eliminating the need for an articulated joint on the roller and allowing for the omission of extinguishing plates, with an actuation system that guides the arc shutter to effectively extinguish electric arcs while requiring minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If articulated joint on roller and guide grooves are used to support shutter element, then shutter element can be properly supported and guided, but space inside frame is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the roller and articulated joint from the shutter element support system. Instead of using a roller with articulated joints, the shutter element is directly supported by the side panels through integrated support structures, removing the unnecessary components that consumed space inside the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support and guidance functions into the side panels themselves. The side panels are designed with integrated support structures that simultaneously provide both support and guidance for the shutter element, eliminating the need for separate rollers, joints, and guide grooves.
2Reliability
If multiple components (roller, articulated joint, guide grooves) are used for shutter element, then shutter element is properly supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the roller and articulated joint components from the system. The shutter element is directly supported by the side panels without requiring these intermediate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support and guidance functions previously performed by multiple separate components (roller, articulated joint, guide grooves) are merged into a single integrated structure within the side panels, significantly reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device.
3Ease of operation
If articulated joint on roller is used, then shutter element can rotate and move, but assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the articulated joint on the roller, which was a complex component requiring precise assembly. The shutter element is instead directly supported by the side panels with simplified movement mechanisms, making the assembly process easier and more straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the support and movement guidance functions into the side panel structure itself, eliminating the need for separate articulated joints and rollers. This integration simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of parts that need to be precisely fitted together.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3C
Figure 4~6D
AI summary
An electric switch comprising a frame (2), a first stationary contact (41) stationarily fixed to the frame (2), a contact support element (6) adapted to move relative to the frame (2) between a first position and second position, a movable contact (8) stationarily fixed relative to the contact support element (6) and having a longitudinal direction, a first arc shutter (91), and an actuation system for moving and guiding the first arc shutter (91) during an opening event. The actuation system comprises a first actuator member (711) stationarily fixed relative to the frame (2), and a second actuator member (721) stationarily fixed relative to the first arc shutter (91). The first arc shutter (91) is adapted to move in an outward direction during the opening event, wherein the outward direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable contact (8).