Electrical Switching Apparatus Mechanical Referencing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switching devices face challenges in achieving precise positioning of auxiliary modules, leading to excessive dimensional dispersion and reduced reliability, particularly in multiphase configurations.

Innovation Solution

The electrical switching device incorporates a mechanical referencing member that allows precise positioning of auxiliary modules relative to the control mechanism and switching members, using a combination of mechanical connections and spacers to eliminate degrees of freedom, ensuring accurate alignment and reliable actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If auxiliary modules are positioned using conventional housing structures or cradles, then the device can accommodate auxiliary modules, but excessive dimensional dispersion remains between various parts of the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of auxiliary modulesVSAvoidreliability of switching device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A mechanical referencing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the housing and auxiliary modules. This referencing member serves as a common reference for positioning multiple auxiliary modules and the control mechanism, eliminating dimensional dispersion by providing a unified positioning基准. The referencing member mechanically couples all components to a single reference frame, ensuring precise relative positioning throughout the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical referencing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions auxiliary modules relative to the housing, positions the control mechanism relative to the housing, and establishes precise relative positioning between auxiliary modules and the control mechanism. This multi-functional referencing system eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If auxiliary modules are positioned precisely to ensure proper mechanical action on the control mechanism, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional positioning structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of auxiliary module actuationVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning structures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical referencing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions auxiliary modules relative to the housing, positions the control mechanism relative to the housing, and establishes precise relative positioning between auxiliary modules and the control mechanism. This multi-functional referencing system eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning functions for multiple components (auxiliary modules and control mechanism) are merged into a single mechanical referencing member. Instead of having separate positioning structures for each component, all positioning requirements are consolidated through this common referencing element, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3159906B1Electrical switching apparatus including a switching mechanism and at least one auxiliary module
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3159906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3159906B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3159906B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This electrical switching device (10) comprises: - a protective housing (15), - at least one switching element (20A, 20B, 20C) capable of switching between a first position allowing the passage of current and a second position preventing the passage of current, - a control mechanism (25) for the control or controls of each switching element (20A, 20B, 20C), and - at least one auxiliary module (35) disposed in the housing (15), the auxiliary module (35) being removable from the housing (15) and configured to implement a function associated with the control mechanism (25). The electrical switching device (10) includes a mechanical referencing element (30) common to the control mechanism (25) and each auxiliary module (35), for positioning the control mechanism (25) and each auxiliary module (35) in the housing (15).