Electric Switch with Movable Bridge Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Side-operated electric switches have complex and heavy designs that complicate assembly and require large, complex movable elements, making them difficult to open without removing the external handle and accessing fixed contact elements.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring a movable bridge element that transmits the action of the shaft to movable contact elements, with a housing that separates into two parts for easy assembly and accessible fixed contact elements, along with sealing elements made of dielectric material to prevent ionized gas transfer between switch chambers, and a prestress element to facilitate rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a side-operated switch design is used, then the housing can be opened without removing the handle, but the design becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable parts that can be opened independently of the handle assembly. The bridge element is segmented to carry multiple contact elements, allowing modular assembly and reducing overall complexity while maintaining the side-operated functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a side-operated switch design is used, then the housing can be opened without removing the handle, but the switch becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element serves as a common support structure for multiple movable contact elements, eliminating the need for separate heavy support structures for each contactor. This segmentation approach reduces overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If complex movable elements are used, then the switch can be side-operated, but assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element is designed as a separate modular component that carries all movable contact elements, allowing it to be pre-assembled and tested independently before installation in the housing. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge element acts as an intermediary component between the shaft and the movable contact elements. It translates the rotational motion of the shaft into the linear motion required by the contact elements, simplifying the mechanical linkage and making assembly more straightforward.
4Reliability
If fixed contact elements are positioned for side-operated switching, then the switch functions correctly, but the fixed contact elements become difficult to access for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is separated into two parts that can be opened to provide access to the fixed contact elements and bridge element assembly. This allows mounting and maintenance operations without requiring disassembly of the entire switch or removal of the handle.
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 solution results in a simpler, lighter, and easier-to-assemble switch that allows the enclosure to be opened without removing the handle, with accessible and mountable components, while effectively inhibiting the transfer of electric arcs between switch chambers, promoting a compact and stable design.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft provided with at least one cam; wherein the shaft is arranged so as to displace the movable contact elements through the action of the at least one cam upon rotation of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
sealing elements made of dielectric material to prevent ionized gas transfer between switch chambers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electric switch comprising: a housing (1); a shaft (4) provided with at least one cam (18); at least two switch chambers (11-14), each of which is provided with at least one fixed electric contact element (6); at least two movable electric contact elements (8), one for each switch chamber (11,14); wherein the shaft (4) is arranged so as to displace the movable contact elements (11-14) through the action of the at least one cam (18) upon rotation of the shaft (4). The switch also comprises a movable bridge element (5) that is provided between the shaft (4) and the movable electric contact elements (8) and through which the action of the shaft (4) is transmitted to the movable contact elements (8).