Switchgear Contact Sleeve With Buffered Pin Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchgear contact devices face issues with rapid insertion causing mechanical damage and unintended activation of electrical devices, due to shear forces and deformation of contact pins, and lack effective protection against contamination and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A contact device with a ring-like cover and spring mechanism that ensures controlled contact closure, using non-conductive plastic components and guide elements for secure alignment, and optionally, threads or magnets for additional locking, to prevent rapid insertion and protect against contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the switchgear module is inserted quickly into the switchgear, then the contact closure is achieved rapidly, but mechanical damage and deformation of contact pins occur due to shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformable buffer element positioned between the contact pin and the contact socket. During rapid insertion, this buffer element deforms to absorb the impact energy and reduce shear forces on the contact pin, preventing mechanical damage while still allowing quick insertion. The buffer element acts as a pre-prepared cushion that activates automatically during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the contact system by introducing a buffer element with specific material properties (elastic modulus, damping characteristics) that allow it to deform under impact loads. This parameter change enables the system to tolerate rapid insertion forces that would otherwise damage rigid contact pins, transforming the rigid-brittle contact interface into a more compliant, impact-resistant interface.
2Productivity
If the contact closure is triggered rapidly, then the electrical connection is established quickly, but individual electrical devices and equipment within the module may be lost or fail due to unintended activation
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element not only cushions mechanical impact but also extends the time duration of the contact closure process. By absorbing impact energy through deformation, it prevents the sudden shock that would otherwise cause unintended activation of electrical devices, while still achieving rapid connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element acts as an intermediary between the contact pin and contact socket, mediating the force transmission during insertion. It filters out harmful high-frequency shocks while allowing the necessary contact force to be transmitted, thereby protecting sensitive electrical equipment from damage during rapid connection establishment.
3Device complexity
If conventional contact devices are used without additional protection, then the structure remains simple, but the contact pin is vulnerable to contamination and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the buffer element within the existing contact device structure, positioning it between the contact pin and contact socket. This nested arrangement provides protection against contamination and mechanical stress without requiring a complete redesign of the contact device, maintaining relative structural simplicity while adding protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element functions as a flexible protective component that can deform to absorb mechanical stress while also serving as a barrier against contamination. Its flexible nature allows it to accommodate movement and stress while protecting the contact pin from direct exposure to harmful environmental factors.
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 provides a stable and secure electrical connection, reduces mechanical wear, and enhances protection against contamination and mechanical stress, meeting IP standards for protection and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arranged within the enclosure in the free space or free area, which is designed to apply a force to the annular cover
Implementation Method 2
or magnets for additional locking
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a switchgear-contacting device, particularly for a low-voltage switchgear, comprising at least one first contact element and at least one second contact element, which can be slid inside each other in a particularly positive manner such that they can be connected to each other in an electroconductive manner, in order to create an electroconductive connection, the at least one first contact element comprising a first cup-type contact sleeve and the at least one second contact element comprising a contact pin that is surrounded by an enclosure in the form of a hollow cylinder and is centrically arranged therein, and a peripheral free area being provided between the contact pin and the enclosure, which can be closed on the front side by an annular stop on which a force is exerted and which is arranged such that it is movable in the axial direction of the contact rod. The free area, the inner and outer diameters of the sleeve, the pin diameter and the inner width of the enclosure all match each other in such a way that during the movement of the annular stop, the contact sleeve engages with the pin above and in the free region in order to complete the contacting process.