Electrical Switching Device Modular Auxiliary Contact Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switching devices lack auxiliary contact terminals for operation control, leading to complex maintenance and increased size, which is undesirable for applications requiring a compact footprint.

Innovation Solution

An electrical switching device integrating a power switching module with three input and three output terminals, a control module with at least one input and one output control terminal, and an auxiliary contact terminal, where the power module is removable, allowing easier maintenance and reduced dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary contact terminals are added to enable operation control, then the device functionality is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation control capabilityVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the auxiliary contact terminals with the existing control module structure. The auxiliary contacts are integrated into the same housing and mounting structure as the control terminals, combining multiple functions (control and auxiliary contacts) into a single modular unit, thereby avoiding additional space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the power module is integrated permanently with the control module, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switching device into distinct modular segments: a power module containing the power contact terminals and switching elements, and a control module containing the control terminals and auxiliary contacts. These modules are designed to be separable while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, allowing the power module to be removed and replaced independently for maintenance purposes

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

Facilitates easier maintenance and reduces the device's size by using a common input terminal for two output terminals, enabling a compact design while maintaining operational functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a movable contact, capable of switching between an open position and a closed position according to a positioning of the movable contact relative to the fixed contact, said movable contact being capable of being moved by an electromagnetic drive device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3080828B1Electrical switching device
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3080828B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3080828B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3080828B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An electrical switching device including an electric power switching module including a block of three input terminals and three output terminals, each input or output terminal being connected to a stationary contact of an electrical switch also including a mobile contact, configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, the mobile contact configured to be moved by an electromagnetic drive mechanism, and a control module, including at least one control input terminal and at least one control output terminal. The control module includes the electromagnetic drive mechanism configured to be supplied by the control terminals to control a position of one of the mobile contacts. A supervision module includes an auxiliary input contact terminal and two auxiliary output contact terminals, the auxiliary input contact terminal being shared by the two auxiliary output contact terminals, the power module being removable separately from the control and supervision modules.