Switching Device Arrangement with External Drive and Spacer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching device arrangements require a large amount of space due to complex kinematic chain guidance and limited access, which compromises reliability.

Innovation Solution

A compact switching device arrangement with a distancing device attached to a bulged wall of the encapsulating housing, allowing the drive device to be external while transmitting movement via a kinematic chain, and using a spacer device to create a receiving space that can accommodate different drive devices and protect the kinematic chain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two drive devices are aligned in opposite directions to use identical parts, then the construction can be standardized, but the space requirement increases and the kinematic chain guidance becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two drive devices and their kinematic chains into a single integrated arrangement. The two drive devices are positioned on opposite sides of the encapsulating housing and work together to operate multiple circuit breakers, sharing common components such as the kinematic chain guidance structure and mounting arrangement, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning drive devices on opposite sides of the encapsulating housing and arranging kinematic chains to extend through the housing structure. This three-dimensional arrangement allows efficient use of space by distributing components along different spatial axes rather than stacking them linearly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two drive devices are aligned in opposite directions to use identical parts, then the construction can be standardized, but the kinematic chain guidance becomes complex and access is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidaccess to kinematic chain
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the kinematic chain guidance structure from the interior of the encapsulating housing and positions it on the exterior surface. This allows direct access to the kinematic chains for maintenance and adjustment without disassembling the housing, while the drive devices remain mounted on opposite sides to maintain standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that connects the drive devices to the kinematic chains on the exterior of the housing. This intermediary arrangement facilitates easy access and adjustment of the kinematic chains while maintaining the standardized opposite-side configuration of the drive devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the drive device is placed outside the encapsulating housing, then the interior volume is preserved, but a distancing device is required to create a receiving space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior volumeVSAvoiddistancing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distancing device serves multiple functions: it creates the receiving space for the drive device, provides mechanical mounting support, ensures proper alignment between the drive device and kinematic chain, and maintains the structural integrity of the housing assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the distancing device encloses the bulged wall, then mechanical protection is improved, but the overall dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical protectionVSAvoidoverall dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The distancing device is designed to nest around the bulged wall of the encapsulating housing, utilizing the existing structural protrusion as part of the mounting arrangement. This nested configuration provides mechanical protection and structural support without requiring additional external space, as the distancing device integrates with rather than adds to the housing dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3465718B1Switching device arrangement
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3465718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465718B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a switching device arrangement, comprising an encapsulation housing (1). Furthermore, the switching device arrangement comprises a drive device (15). The drive device (15) is supported on the encapsulation housing (1), wherein the drive device (15) is arranged at a distance from the encapsulation housing (1) via a spacer device (13), a receiving space (16) being delimited by the spacer device (13). Figur