Switch Control Apparatus Anchorage for Electric Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch control apparatus for electric plants lack stable anchorage of contact units, particularly under shocks, and are inflexible in accommodating changes in the number, configuration, and type of contact units, with prior solutions either restricting access to terminals or failing to provide lateral support.
Innovation Solution
A switch control apparatus with a container member that envelopes and anchors contact units to a closing panel, providing both axial and transverse stability, and allowing easy installation and wiring, while accommodating various contact units configurations through modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cage is used to support contact units at the bottom wall, then axial stability is improved, but lateral support is insufficient and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines axial and lateral support functions into a single integrated anchoring system using snap-fit connections between the contact unit enclosure and the actuator enclosure. This merging of support directions into one unified structure reduces overall device complexity while providing comprehensive stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring features are pre-integrated into the actuator enclosure design itself, rather than adding separate support structures during assembly. The actuator enclosure is manufactured with built-in snap-fit anchoring elements that automatically provide both axial and lateral support when the contact unit is installed.
2Reliability
If a protective plate is used to cover contact units, then separation prevention is improved, but access to terminals is blocked and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large protective plate, the patent divides the enclosure into modular actuator enclosures, each containing individual contact units with their own anchoring features. This segmentation allows different numbers and types of contact units to be independently configured while maintaining reliable anchoring for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the actuator mechanism, provides snap-fit anchoring for contact units, offers lateral support, and maintains access to terminals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective plates while achieving separation prevention and maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If snap fit means are used to couple contact units to actuators, then ease of installation is improved, but anchorage stability under shocks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite anchoring features within the actuator enclosure that combine snap-fit elements for easy installation with integrated lateral support structures for shock resistance. The enclosure integrates multiple anchoring mechanisms into a unified structure that provides both ease of assembly and robustness under shock conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch control apparatus for electric plants, comprises a box-like body (2) which is adapted to be anchored to a fixed o movable part of an electric plant and has a closing panel (3) with at least one passage (4) therethrough, at least one contact unit (8) which is accommodated in the box-like body (2) at the passage (4) and is adapted to be electrically connected to at least one respective electric circuit of the plant for selective open/close control thereof, at least one actuator (9) which is adapted to interact with the contact unit (8) for the latter to ensure selective opening/closing of the respective circuits, anchor means for anchoring the contact unit (8) to the actuator (9). The anchor means (10) comprise a container member (11) which is adapted to enclose and contain said at least one contact unit (8) and to be anchored to the closing panel (3) in the box-like body (2) for stably securing the contact unit (8) on the actuator (9).