Parallel Electric Element Connection Across Switch Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting electric elements in parallel to switch contacts is challenging due to the need for performance assurance, withstand voltage, insulation distance evaluation, and cost considerations, especially when the switch is in an OFF state at ordinary temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An electric-element connection method that involves connecting the element in parallel to the first and second contacts between the first and second terminals of a switch part, using crimping or welding techniques, with insulation and potential monitoring functions to ensure easy and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric elements are connected in parallel to switch contacts, then the switch can provide additional electrical functions, but the interruption performance cannot be ensured and evaluation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection system into separate functional modules: the switch part with contacts for interruption function, and the electric element part for additional electrical functions. This segmentation allows each part to be evaluated and optimized independently, ensuring interruption performance while adding versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces terminal parts as intermediary connection points between the switch contacts and electric elements. These terminals serve as mediators that enable parallel connection while maintaining proper electrical isolation and connection paths, allowing both interruption performance and additional functions to coexist.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric elements are connected in parallel to switch contacts, then additional electrical functions are achieved, but insulation distance evaluation becomes necessary and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal parts act as intermediary components that provide built-in insulation structures. These terminals are designed with proper insulation distances integrated into their structure, eliminating the need for complex external insulation arrangements and simplifying the overall insulation distance evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different insulation designs to different parts of the connection system. The terminal parts have specific insulation structures optimized for their local electrical stress conditions, while the switch contacts maintain their own insulation requirements. This localized approach simplifies overall insulation evaluation compared to a uniform design.
3Reliability
If the switch is in OFF state at ordinary temperature, then safety is improved, but maximum rated voltage is always applied to electric elements requiring special inspections and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system to dynamically adapt to different switch states. When the switch is ON, the electric elements are bypassed and experience minimal voltage. When the switch is OFF, the electric elements handle the voltage. This dynamic behavior allows cost-effective component selection without requiring components to withstand maximum voltage continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage, current) applied to the electric elements based on the switch state. By allowing the voltage parameter to vary from maximum (when switch is OFF) to near-zero (when switch is ON), the system can use more cost-effective component ratings while maintaining safety through proper design of the OFF-state voltage handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of connecting an electric element (20) to a switch part (10) provided with a fixed contact (11a), i.e., an example of a first contact, a first terminal (12) connected to the fixed contact (11a) and exposed out of the switch part (10), a movable contact (11b), i.e., an example of a second contact, capable of moving to a position at which the movable contact (11b) is in contact with the fixed contact (11a) and a position at which the movable contact (11b) is spaced apart from the fixed contact (11a), and a second terminal (13) connected to the movable contact (11b) and exposed out of the switch part (10) includes: connecting the electric element (20) in parallel to the fixed contact (11a) and the movable contact (11b) between the first terminal (12) and the second terminal (13).