Switching Device Carrier and Upper Part Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of switching devices with integrated electronic components is complicated by the need to mechanically and electrically connect components between a carrier part and an upper part, leading to increased assembly effort and potential errors, as well as difficulty in achieving an automated connection.

Innovation Solution

The design integrates a first electronic component in the carrier part and a second component in the upper part, with a first connection device in the carrier part and a second connection device in the upper part, allowing for electrical or optical coupling during mechanical connection, eliminating the need for a separate production of the connection between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electronic components are distributed over the carrier part and upper part with separate wiring, then functional requirements are met, but assembly effort increases and automation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical connection structure with the electrical connection function by integrating connection contacts directly into the carrier part and upper part. When the carrier part and upper part are mechanically connected, the connection contacts automatically establish electrical connections between the first and second electronic components, eliminating the need for separate wiring steps and enabling automated assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If separate wiring is used to connect electronic components, then electrical connection is established, but assembly errors increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection contacts are designed to automatically establish electrical connections through the mechanical assembly process itself. The act of connecting the carrier part and upper part mechanically causes the connection contacts to engage and establish electrical continuity, making the system self-connecting without requiring separate wiring operations, thereby improving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated in the arrangement, then functionality is enhanced, but the connection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic functionalityVSAvoidconnection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection function into two parts: connection contacts in the carrier part and corresponding connection contacts in the upper part. This segmentation allows each part to be independently designed and assembled, then automatically connected through mechanical assembly, reducing the complexity of the overall connection process while maintaining enhanced electronic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3671786B1Arrangement of a carrier and an upper part and lid of a switching device with components of an electronics system integrated in the arrangement
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 JEAN MULLER ELEKTROTECHN FAB
  • EP3671786B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3671786B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3671786B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a support part (2), a top part (3), and a cover of a switching device with electronic components integrated into the arrangement. The switching device can, for example, be a disconnect switch or a switching strip.The upper part (3) is mechanically connectable to the carrier part (2), wherein a first electronic component is mounted in the carrier part (2), wherein a second electronic component is mounted in the upper part (3), wherein the first component has a first connection device, wherein the first connection device is mounted in the carrier part (2), wherein the second component has a second connection device, wherein the second connection device is mounted in the upper part (3), wherein the first connection device and the second connection device are electrically and/or optically connectable to each other, in order to establish an electrical and/or optical connection between the first component and the second component by electrically and/or optically coupling the first connection device with the second connection device when mechanically connecting the carrier part (2) and the upper part (3).