Switching Apparatus Spring Positioning and Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switch circuit breakers face challenges in achieving a longer effective spring length without increasing complexity and costs, while maintaining mechanical stability, due to the need for additional fixing pins and restricted spring dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a positioning depression on the switching head allows for lateral positioning of the spring element's bearing end, eliminating the need for additional positioning aids and enabling a longer effective spring length without mechanical weakening, using a bearing device that can move freely and integrate with the switching frame or head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional fixing pins or notches are provided in the switching frame to position the spring element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the bearing device itself. The bearing device incorporates a positioning protrusion that engages with a positioning depression in the switching head, combining the bearing and positioning functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate fixing pins or notches in the switching frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device acts as an intermediary component between the spring element and the switching frame. It provides the positioning function through its own structural features (positioning protrusion and depression) rather than requiring modifications to the switching frame, thus mediating the connection while maintaining frame integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If notches are provided on the switching frame for positioning the spring element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the mechanical strength of the frame deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the bearing device and switching head interface, eliminating the need for notches in the switching frame. The positioning protrusion on the bearing device engages with the positioning depression in the switching head, providing precise positioning without compromising frame strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from the switching frame structure and relocated to the bearing device. This removes the need for frame modifications (notches) that would weaken the frame, while still achieving the required positioning precision through the bearing device's own structural features.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the spring element requires a longer effective spring length, then the force storage capability is improved, but the device dimensions must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the switching head rather than parallel to it. This angular arrangement allows the spring to achieve a longer effective length and greater force storage capability within the same device footprint, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device is integrated into the switching head structure, with the positioning protrusion and depression forming a nested arrangement. This allows the spring element to be positioned and supported within the existing device boundaries while achieving extended effective length through the integrated bearing mechanism.
4Ease of manufacture
If bearing devices are provided to mount the spring element on the switching frame, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing device is integrated with the switching head as a single component or closely coupled assembly. The positioning protrusion on the bearing device works with the positioning depression in the switching head to provide automatic alignment and positioning during assembly, simplifying the mounting process while avoiding additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device incorporates self-positioning features (protrusion and depression) that automatically align the spring element and bearing device during assembly. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex external positioning aids or precise manual alignment procedures.
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 allows for a cost-effective and simple extension of the spring length, maintaining mechanical stability and reducing assembly complexity, while allowing for precise force control and reduced frictional wear, without requiring additional structural changes to the switching frame.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements, which comprise bearing ends on one or on both sides and are suited to storing and releasing force
Data Source
AI summary
A switching apparatus for an electric switch, in particular an electric circuit breaker, including a switching head with a grip section, and a switching frame connected to the switching head. In an embodiment, a bearing end of at least one spring element is mounted on the switching frame on at least one bearing device. The switching head for the bearing end of at least one spring element includes at least one positioning depression on the side of the switching head opposite to the grip section, which is embodied for a lateral positioning of the bearing end.