Switchboard Switch Loading Assembly With Integrated Lever Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading assemblies for electrical switchboards are complex and bulky due to the separate arrangement of functions such as lever-gear decoupling, end-of-stroke, and lever return, which complicates the assembly and increases size.

Innovation Solution

Integration of the 'idle' functions of the operating lever, end-of-strokes, and lever return in a single position within the loading assembly, utilizing a coupling between the operating lever and the transmission that allows the lever to actuate the transmission only after passing an intermediate position, thereby simplifying the assembly and reducing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lever-gear decoupling, end-of-stroke, and lever return functions are arranged in different positions with different elements, then each function can be independently implemented, but the assembly becomes complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three separate functions (lever-gear decoupling, end-of-stroke, and lever return) into a single integrated mechanism located at one position in the assembly. The coupling between the operating lever and transmission gear wheel incorporates all three functions: it allows idle movement for decoupling, provides end-of-stroke positioning, and enables lever return through the return spring, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism at the lever-gear interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same mechanical connection that transmits motion also provides decoupling capability, end-of-stroke detection, and return spring attachment, making the system more compact and less complex while achieving the same operational reliability

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

2Reliability

If the lever-gear decoupling, end-of-stroke, and lever return functions are arranged in different positions with different elements, then each function can be independently implemented, but the assembly size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidassembly size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges three separate functional mechanisms into a single integrated coupling structure at the lever-gear interface. This consolidation reduces the overall assembly size by eliminating the need for separate components distributed throughout the assembly, while maintaining all required functions for operational reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The return spring is nested within the coupling structure between the lever and gear wheel, utilizing the same spatial envelope. The end-of-stroke pin and slot mechanism is integrated into the same coupling region, allowing multiple functions to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces rather than requiring separate volumetric allocations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integrated design results in a more compact and efficient loading assembly for electrical switchboards, reducing complexity and size while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a loading spring (10) for loading the switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a return spring (17) for forcing the lever (4) in its initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4254455B1A loading assembly of a switch of an electrical switchboard
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 BOFFETTI SPA
  • EP4254455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4254455B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4254455B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A loading assembly of a switch of an electrical switchboard, the assembly comprising a loading spring for loading the switch; an operating lever is movable from a first position to a second position to perform loading strokes of the spring; a transmission on one side coupled to the operating lever and on the other side to the loading spring; wherein the coupling between the operating lever and the transmission is configured in such a way that during the loading strokes the lever actuates the transmission only after passing an intermediate position between the first and second position.