Switchgear Terminal Displacement Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Strong displacement of electric terminals in switching devices can cause deformation of distribution bars and potential collisions with switchgear components, leading to damage, especially under critical conditions such as electrical arcs.
Innovation Solution
An electric assembly with a switching device featuring a kinematic chain and blocking means that intercept and block undesired displacements of electric terminals, preventing deformation of distribution bars by mechanically interacting with the kinematic chain and connecting to the switchgear or casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blocking means are added to interrupt terminal displacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is divided into separate modular components including blocking elements, support elements, and connecting elements that can be independently positioned and attached to the casing, allowing flexible configuration without complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the casing itself complex to prevent displacement, the solution introduces separate blocking elements that are added to the existing simple casing structure, inverting the approach by adding protection rather than redesigning the base structure
2Reliability
If blocking means are designed to connect to switchgear, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is segmented into distinct functional elements (blocking, support, connecting) that can be manufactured separately and assembled in a straightforward sequence, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining protective functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the blocking means and the switchgear, simplifying the overall assembly process by providing a dedicated interface rather than requiring direct integration
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric assembly suitable to be installed in a switchgear, comprising: - a switching device having a casing and at least one electric phase comprising a couple of contacts which can be actuated by an associated kinematic chain, wherein an electric terminal is operatively associated to said at least one electric phase and connected to the kinematic chain; - blocking means which are adapted to be operatively connected to the casing and/or to the switchgear, and which are adapted to operatively interact with the kinematic chain so as to interrupt a displacement of the electric terminal along at least one direction.