Switchgear Support With Retractable Claw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus supports for electrical devices anchored to wall boxes suffer from claw mechanisms that undergo deformation under tension, leading to aging and reduced effectiveness over time, and generate resistance during installation, making the process more difficult.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus support features a retraction element that is pressed against the frame by a descending nut when unscrewing, allowing the claw to return to a retracted position without deformation, and is free to deploy without resistance when screwing, eliminating the need for elastic deformation and associated aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic return means (leaf springs) are used to return claws to retracted position, then the claws can be returned to retracted position after deployment, but the leaf springs are subject to aging and deformation over time, reducing effectiveness and causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elastic deformation function from the return mechanism by removing the leaf springs entirely. Instead, it uses a retraction element that moves along the screw's threaded body, converting the return function from elastic deformation to mechanical movement guided by the screw threads, thereby eliminating aging and breakage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical system (leaf springs) with a threaded mechanical system. The retraction element engages with the screw's threaded body, using the screw's mechanical structure to guide and control the retraction movement, substituting elastic deformation with threaded engagement mechanics.
2Reliability
If leaf springs are used to return claws to retracted position, then the claws can be returned to retracted position, but the deformed leaf springs generate resistant force during installation, making installation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of resistive force by extracting the leaf springs from the system. The retraction element moves freely along the screw during installation without elastic deformation, eliminating the resistant force that complicates the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the retraction element to move along the screw's threaded body, which is already in place during installation. This preliminary positioning allows the retraction element to follow the screw's path without resistance, and only engages to provide return force after installation is complete.
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 design prevents claw mechanism deformation and aging, simplifying installation by eliminating resistive forces and maintaining the retraction element in an undeformed state, thus enhancing the long-term reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic return means comprise leaf springs which each have a mounting end fixed to the frame and an actuating end resting against the corresponding claw. Thus, when the installer tightens the screws, the tilting of the claws causes the elastic deformation of the leaf springs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The support (1) has a returning unit e.g. spring-blade (70), for returning a claw (30) into a retracted position. A frame (10) comprises a return unit (17), which has an opening (12) through which a screw (50) is engaged. The returning unit comprises a mounting portion (71), which is movably mounted relative to the frame between a nut (90) and the returning unit. The returning unit comprises an actuating portion e.g. branch (72), which cooperates with the claw to bring the claw into the retracted position during unscrewing of the screw.