Switching Device Connection Interface for Actuator Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical devices for breaking electric current at low voltage and high intensity require multiple variants of the actuator block to accommodate different cut-off block configurations, complicating industrial manufacturing and logistics.

Innovation Solution

An electrical switching device with a connection interface interposed between the cut-off block and actuator block, housing a mobile tray that adapts to different cut-off block configurations, allowing the same actuator block to be used across various cut-off block variants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of the actuator block are used to accommodate different cut-off block configurations, then the device can be adapted to various current intensities and phases, but the manufacturing complexity and logistical constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cut-off block configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and logistical constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a standardized actuator block, a connection interface with mobile tray, and interchangeable cut-off blocks. This segmentation allows the actuator block to remain uniform while the cut-off blocks vary to meet different electrical requirements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator block is designed as a universal component that can be used across all device variants. The connection interface with its mobile tray provides the adaptation mechanism, allowing a single actuator block design to control multiple different cut-off block configurations through standardized coupling members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the actuator block dimensions are customized for each cut-off block variant, then optimal performance is achieved, but production costs and inventory management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoidproduction cost and inventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator block is designed as a universal component with standardized dimensions and coupling mechanisms that work with all cut-off block variants. The connection interface adapts to different configurations through its mobile tray and coupling members, allowing a single actuator block design to achieve optimal performance across multiple applications without requiring custom production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface incorporates a mobile tray that can dynamically adjust its position and configuration to match different cut-off block variants. This dynamic adaptability allows the standardized actuator block to maintain optimal performance across various configurations without requiring physical customization of the actuator itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a standardized actuator block is used for all cut-off block variants, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device must be adapted to fit different configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplificationVSAvoidconnection interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface is segmented into a fixed portion attached to the actuator block and a mobile tray portion that interfaces with the cut-off block. This segmentation isolates the complexity to the connection interface while keeping the actuator block standardized and simple to manufacture. The mobile tray can be adjusted or configured to match different cut-off block variants without affecting the actuator block design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Simplifies industrial manufacturing and reduces logistical complexity by eliminating the need for multiple actuator block variants, enabling cost-effective and efficient production and installation of the device.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator unit, provided with a controllable electromagnet adapted to generate an electromagnetic force in response to a control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3333871B1Electrical apparatus for cutting an electrical current

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

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Figure 2~3
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AI summary

This electrical switching device (1) comprises: - a switching block (2), including current-interrupting elements (22), each actuated by means of a coupling member (226), to switch this switching element to a blocking or current-permitting state; - an actuator block (3), equipped with a controllable electromagnet adapted to generate an electromagnetic force; - a movable tray (42) provided with a magnetic plate (43), which moves the coupling members, under the effect of the electromagnetic force, so as to switch the switching elements. The device further comprises a connection interface (4) interposed between the switching block and the actuator block, the movable tray being housed inside the connection interface.