Switchgear Wiring via Coding Plug and Box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medium-voltage switchgear faces challenges with complex wiring and high shunting efforts due to numerous interfaces and equipment locations, leading to increased terminal block usage, limited pre-assembled cable harnesses, missing electrical connections, and unserviceable wiring technology.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves replacing traditional electrical wiring between switchgear components with wiring in a box or circuit board, using a coding plug with mechanical or electronic switching elements to connect components directly, allowing for standardized function implementation and remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wiring with numerous terminal blocks is used to connect electrical components in different locations, then all required functions can be implemented, but the device complexity and shunting effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction implementationVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wiring system into modular components: a first connection element with a first connection side for electrical components, a second connection element with a second connection side for terminal blocks, and intermediate connection elements. This segmentation allows standardized connections while maintaining functional versatility through configurable intermediate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate connection elements as mediators between the first connection element (electrical components) and the second connection element (terminal blocks). These intermediates include coding plugs with contact bridges that can be inserted to establish specific wiring patterns, reducing the need for complex direct wiring between all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete equipment is installed in multiple locations (control cabinet and door), then all functions are available, but the ease of operation and servicing deteriorate due to unserviceable wiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction availabilityVSAvoidservicing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of wiring functions through removable coding plugs with contact bridges. Users can insert, remove, or reposition these coding elements to change wiring patterns without permanent modifications, making the system adaptable and serviceable while maintaining full functional availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If pre-assembled cable harnesses are used to reduce wiring effort, then installation time decreases, but the adaptability to different function requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidfunction customization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured connection elements with standardized connection sides and pre-arranged contact bridge patterns on coding plugs. These pre-assembled components can be quickly installed to establish standard wiring patterns, while the modular design allows easy customization for specific functions by changing the coding plug configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2135337B1Low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switching or control device, in particular a switchgear assembly
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2135337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2135337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2135337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switching or control device, a switchgear assembly according to the preamble of patent claims 1, 2 and 3, and to the uses according to patent claims 14, 15, 16 and 17. In order to be able to combine individual functions to form a standardized unit, without thereby deviating from conventional technology, the invention proposes that the electrical cabling between the electrical functional components of the switchgear assembly is replaced by a wiring in a box (1) or a panel and that the electrical components (20) are each connected directly to the box (1) by means of a bundle of bound cables (30). Another essential embodiment provides a coding plug for being plugged from the exterior.