Switchgear Supplementary Circuit Integration via Magnet Frame Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of switchgear with a switching device and supplementary electrical circuits faces challenges in accommodating these circuits without increasing the external dimensions, which can prevent installation in restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a printed-circuit board with electronic components that receives the operating voltage and is connected to the switching device, allowing for the integration of electrical display or protective circuits without increasing the device's size by routing the voltage past the magnet frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulated wire is used to supply operating voltage to the supplementary electrical circuit, then the circuit can be powered, but the external dimensions of the switching device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function into the existing magnet frame structure by utilizing the coil terminal pins that are already present for the relay coil. These terminal pins serve dual purposes: powering the coil and providing operating voltage to the supplementary electrical circuit, thereby eliminating the need for separate insulated wires and reducing external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil terminal pins are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection for the relay coil operation and simultaneously serve as power supply terminals for the supplementary electrical circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional wiring components and reduces the overall device size.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional space is allocated for routing wires past the magnet frame, then the supplementary electrical circuit can be powered, but the switching device becomes too large for installation in restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wire routing function with the existing magnet frame structure. The insulated wire is routed through the base unit and connected to coil terminal pins that are integral to the magnet frame, eliminating the need for separate routing paths and reducing overall device dimensions while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplementary electrical circuit components are nested within the existing magnet frame structure. The wire routing is integrated into the base unit, and the circuit components are positioned within the available space of the magnet frame assembly, allowing compact integration without increasing external dimensions.
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
This solution enables the provision of electrical display or protective circuits within the switchgear without expanding its external dimensions, maintaining a compact design and facilitating installation in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet frame consists of a coil former and a coaxial coil with a yoke. The coil has at least one coil terminal pin extending there from configured to supply an operating voltage to the coil.
Data Source
AI summary
A switchgear comprises a switching device, such as a relay, with a switching mechanism. A printed-circuit board that is provided with at least one electronic component is electrically connected to the switching device to form a supplementary electrical circuit, which receives an operating voltage supplied to the switching device.