Switching Device Foot Section Orientation for Flexible Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices, such as fuse switch disconnectors, are limited in that they cannot change the connection direction of outgoing contacts, requiring different housing types based on the desired orientation of these contacts, which restricts flexibility in installation and configuration.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a foot section on one contact that protrudes from the housing, allowing the device to be rotated and adapted for either downward or upward orientation by using an adapter with symmetrically positioned contact openings, enabling the housing to be placed on a contact rail for electrical connection, thus allowing the connection direction to be adjusted without needing different housing types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different housing types are used for different connection directions, then the connection direction requirement is met, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single housing design is created that can serve multiple connection directions (upward and downward) through the foot section configuration. The housing contains contact pairs where one contact has a foot section that can be oriented in different directions, allowing the same housing to be used for both upward and downward connection requirements without needing separate housing types.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact structure is segmented into a main contact body and a separate foot section. The foot section can be positioned at different locations within the housing and oriented in different directions, allowing the same housing to accommodate different connection orientations by simply repositioning the foot section rather than requiring different housing designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is rotated 180 degrees to change connection direction, then the adaptability improves, but the covering and protection of internal components may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the entire housing 180 degrees, the foot section is inverted or repositioned within the housing while the housing itself maintains its original orientation. The cover remains properly positioned to protect internal components, while the foot section orientation is changed to achieve the desired connection direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional rotation problem to a three-dimensional repositioning problem. The foot section can be positioned at different locations and oriented in different directions within the housing volume, allowing connection direction changes without rotating the housing or compromising the cover's protective function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housing types are manufactured for different connection directions, then the installation flexibility improves, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized housing design is produced that can be used for both upward and downward connection requirements. The housing contains contact pairs with foot sections that can be configured in different orientations, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple housing types for different connection directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot section position and orientation parameters can be varied within the same housing design to achieve different connection directions. This allows a single housing type to be manufactured with adjustable parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed housing variants.
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a switching device, in particular fused interrupters, comprising a housing and a cover arranged thereon, wherein in the housing at least one pair of contacts is provided for receiving respectively one contact blade of a safety device or the like, wherein each contact is electrically connected to an input or output contact element, and one contact of each contact pair has a base section as an input contact which projects from the housing on the underside thereof, comprising an adapter arranged on the bottom side of the switching device which has two contact gaps per base section for alternative contacting and which is provided for attaching to conductor rails.