Electrical Switching Device Actuator Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical switching devices using solenoid actuators require high force to actuate multiple spring arms, leading to increased costs due to larger drive coils and excessive heat generation from long current paths, which complicates temperature rise and short circuit management.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a switch housing with first and second circuit assemblies and an actuator assembly featuring a motor with a drive coil, where first and second pivots are rotated within the magnetic field to move moveable terminals between open and closed states, optimizing force distribution and reducing heat through a shorter current path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a solenoid actuator is used to actuate multiple spring arms simultaneously, then the switching device can control multiple circuits, but the force required to actuate the spring arms becomes relatively high and additive, requiring a larger drive coil with more copper windings which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control multiple circuitsVSAvoidforce required to actuate spring arms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the actuation mechanism into separate pivot members for each circuit assembly. Instead of one pivot actuating all spring arms, each circuit has its own pivot that actuates only its associated spring arm. This segmentation reduces the additive force requirement since each pivot only needs to overcome the force of a single spring arm rather than multiple spring arms combined.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges the circuit assemblies in a layered configuration where first and second circuit assemblies are positioned at different levels or dimensions within the housing. This spatial arrangement allows independent actuation of each circuit while maintaining compact packaging, resolving the contradiction between controlling multiple circuits and minimizing actuation force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the spring arm is positioned between and parallel to stationary blades forming circuit assemblies, then the switching device can establish electrical connections, but the current travels in a long path that creates opposing magnetic fields and forces, and generates excessive heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidheat generation from current path

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional arrangement by positioning the spring arm not between parallel stationary blades, but in a configuration where the current path is shortened. The spring arm connects to stationary blades in a manner that reduces the length of the current path, thereby reducing resistive heating while maintaining reliable electrical connection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the circuit assembly arrangement. By modifying the spatial relationship between spring arms and stationary blades, and by shortening the current path length, the patent reduces the heat generation parameter while preserving the electrical connection function. This may involve changing the orientation or positioning of components within the circuit assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration simplifies the switching device, reduces costs, and effectively manages temperature rise and short circuit requirements by minimizing the force needed to actuate the spring arms and shortening the current path, thereby reducing heat generation.

Implementation Method 1

a motor that has a drive coil generating a magnetic field. First and second pivots are arranged within the magnetic field of the drive coil. The first and second pivots are rotated when the drive coil is operated.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8564386B2Electrical switching device

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

An electrical switching device includes a switch housing and first and second circuit assemblies received in the switch housing. Each of the first and second circuit assemblies include a base terminal and a moveable terminal moveable between an open state and a closed state. The moveable terminal is electrically connected to the base terminal in the closed state. An actuator assembly is received in the switch housing. The actuator assembly includes a motor that has a drive coil generating a magnetic field. First and second pivots are arranged within the magnetic field of the drive coil. The first and second pivots are rotated when the drive coil is operated. First and second actuators are coupled to the first and second pivots and are slidable within the switch housing. The first and second actuators are operatively coupled to the moveable terminals of the first and second circuit assemblies, respectively. The first and second actuators move the moveable terminals between the open and closed states.