Low Voltage Switching Device Accessory Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low voltage switching devices require high operator attention for accessory insertion and extraction, are prone to costly repairs due to breakable flexible connection means, and have complex geometrical configurations, making them difficult to use and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with disengagement means integrated into the accessory devices allows for easy extraction without keys or complex configurations, using lever arms and fulcrum portions for stable coupling and easy removal, and removable containment structures for improved assembly and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessory devices are fixed and wired inside the switch case using traditional methods, then the switch provides stable operation, but the accessory insertion and extraction require high operator attention and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device is divided into separate functional components: a body housing, coupling means with lever arms, and disengagement means. This segmentation allows the accessory to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining stable operation when coupled, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means act as an intermediary mechanism between the accessory body and the switch case. The lever arms and fulcrum portions create a mechanical interface that provides both easy disengagement and stable coupling, eliminating the need for complex insertion procedures while ensuring reliable operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If flexible connection means are used to fix accessories in the housing structure, then the accessories can be connected, but breakage of these means requires replacement of the entire housing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into replaceable components: the accessory device with its coupling means can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the housing structure. This eliminates the need to replace the entire housing when connection means fail, greatly improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device including its coupling means is designed as a disposable or replaceable unit. When the flexible connection means break, the entire accessory can be easily removed and replaced, while the durable housing structure is retained and reused, reducing repair costs and complexity.
3Reliability
If guide means and flexible elements are integrated into the housing structure, then accessories can be locked in position, but the geometrical configuration becomes particularly complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating complex guide means and flexible elements into the housing structure, the invention inverts the approach by placing the coupling means with lever arms and fulcrum portions on the accessory device itself. This simplifies the housing structure while maintaining reliable locking through the accessory's own mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device is equipped with self-contained coupling means including lever arms and fulcrum portions that automatically engage with the housing structure. This self-service mechanism provides reliable locking without requiring complex integrated guide means in the housing, reducing overall device complexity.
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
The solution simplifies accessory installation and removal, reduces maintenance costs by allowing easy replacement of accessories and enhances the functional versatility of the switching device.
Implementation Method 1
said coupling means comprise a lever arm (16) pivoting on a fulcrum portion (14) emerging from a surface (44) of a body (11) of said accessory device (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a switching device for low voltage systems comprising one or more accessorydevices. The switching device according to the invention comprises a case containing at least one pair of contacts thatcan be reciprocally coupled/decoupled. The device furthermore comprises a containment structureto contain at least one accessory device of the switching device. Said structure is provided with means for interfacing with the accessory device which comprises a bodythat can be inserted in the containment structure.The accessory device also comprises coupling means to couple it to the containment structure and operating means which interact with the switching device via theinterface means of the containment structure. The accessorydevice is also provided with disengagement means operatively connected to the coupling means. Said disengagement means, once activated, free the coupling means to permit extraction of the accessory device from the containment structure.