Draw-out Switching Device Subframe Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing draw-out switching devices are cumbersome and time-consuming to position accurately due to manual operation and require complex movements to switch between connected, test, and disconnected positions, especially when handling auxiliary connectors.

Innovation Solution

A draw-out switching device with a subframe comprising two movable parts and an operating mechanism featuring a rotating lever with a cam and curved slots, allowing independent movement of each subframe part to achieve connected, test, and disconnected positions efficiently, eliminating the need for the subframe to move between three positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single sub-frame is used that moves between three positions, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to position accurately and time-consuming to switch between connected, test, and disconnected positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning speed and easeVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sub-frame is divided into two separable parts: a first sub-frame part that moves independently and a second sub-frame part that remains stationary during testing. This segmentation allows the first part to be quickly positioned between connected and test positions without moving the entire sub-frame, significantly improving positioning speed and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If manual operation with marks on base frame is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but accurate positioning is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning accuracyVSAvoidManufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning indicator is provided that gives visual feedback to the operator about the current position of the first sub-frame part. The indicator shows when the first sub-frame part is in the correct test position or connected position, enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances or multiple reference marks on the base frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If auxiliary connectors are mounted on the moving sub-frame, then they move with the sub-frame, but complex mounting is required to handle movement between three positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnector handling easeVSAvoidMounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary connectors are extracted from the moving first sub-frame part and repositioned on the stationary second sub-frame part. This allows the connectors to remain fixed in one location during testing operations, eliminating the need for complex mounting mechanisms to accommodate the movement between connected, test, and disconnected positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 mechanism enables quick and precise positioning of the switching device, simplifying the process of connecting and disconnecting auxiliary connectors and reducing the complexity of mounting, resulting in a more economic and cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

the operating mechanism comprises a lever rotatingly arranged to the base frame and having a cam arranged on a free end, a first curved slot arranged in the first sub-frame part; and a second curved slot arranged in the second sub-frame part, wherein the cam extends through both the first and second curved slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2826116B1Draw-out switching device
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP2826116B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2826116B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2826116B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a drawout switching device comprising: -a base frame for arrangement in a cabinet; -a subframe slidable arranged in the base frame and housing switching gear; wherein the subframe is positionable in at least a connected position, a test position and a disconnected position and wherein the subframe comprises at least two subframe parts, which are movable relative to each other and further comprising an operating mechanism for moving the at least two subframe parts one after the other, to arrive at the connected postion, the test position and the disconnected position.