Modular Electrical Switch Base Part with Angled Conductor Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of existing electrical switch devices requires numerous different components and adaptations for various switch types and embodiments, leading to increased production difficulties and costs due to the need for many unique parts.

Innovation Solution

A base part design that allows for conductors to be inserted at an angle of 0° to 45° opposite to the mounting direction, with a rocker switch in the upper part and a pivotally mounted contact rocker in the lower part, enabling the use of a grid arrangement of contact receptacles for efficient space utilization and compatibility with multiple switch types using identical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conductors are inserted at 90° angle to mounting direction, then conductor connection is achieved, but conductors are bent backwards and clamped between side wall and fastening claws causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor insertionVSAvoidconductor bending and clamping damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional 90° insertion angle by allowing conductors to be inserted at angles between 0° and 45° relative to the mounting direction. This reversal of the insertion geometry eliminates the harmful bending and clamping effects that occur with perpendicular insertion, while still achieving secure electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous different components are used for various switch types, then specific switch requirements are met, but production complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch type compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of different components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal base part design with standardized contact element arrangements that can serve multiple switch types (1-way, 2-way, 3-way switches, and various toggle switch configurations). The grid arrangement of contact receptacles and standardized mounting dimensions allow a single base part design to accommodate diverse switching applications, eliminating the need for numerous specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base part is segmented into modular components including standardized contact elements, contact receptacles arranged in grids, and detachable upper and lower parts. This segmentation allows flexible configuration for different switch types while maintaining standardized interfaces, enabling versatility without requiring completely different components for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If contact receptacles are arranged in grid with three contacts per row, then space utilization is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase part space utilizationVSAvoidgrid spacing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the grid spacing parameters of contact receptacles to achieve efficient space utilization with three contacts per row while maintaining manufacturability. By carefully selecting the grid spacing dimensions and contact receptacle positions, the design maximizes the number of contacts within the base part footprint without imposing excessive precision requirements that would complicate manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3107111B1Base section for a modular electrical switching device
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 GIRA GIERSIEPEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3107111B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3107111B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3107111B1 patent drawingFigure 2d

AI summary

The present invention relates to a base part for an electrical switching device for mounting in a mounting plane of a mounting opening or a support ring, comprising a base upper part (3a, 3b) and a base lower part (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), at least two electrically conductive contact elements (11a, 11b, 11c) for connecting each end section of an electrical conductor, at least one switching rocker (5a, 5b) for generating a mechanical switching movement, and at least one contact rocker (19a, 19b) for electrically contacting the contact elements (11a, 11b, 11c). The base upper part (3a, 3b) and the base lower part (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are detachably connected to one another, and the contact rocker (19a, 19b) can be switched between a first and a second switching state by means of the switching rocker (5a, 5b).The contact elements (11a, 11b, 11c) are designed and arranged in the base (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) such that the end sections of the electrical conductors can be inserted into the contact elements (11a, 11b, 11c) at an insertion angle of 0° to 45° in a direction opposite to a mounting direction ZZ'. The rocker switch (5a, 5b) is arranged in the base (3a, 3b), and the contact rocker (19a, 19b) is pivotably mounted in the base (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) by means of a rocker bearing (18) such that its pivot axis lies in a plane perpendicular to the mounting direction (Z-Z') and parallel to the mounting plane. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical switching device comprising such a base part and at least one actuating element (8) for actuating the rocker switch (5a, 5b) of the base part.