Switching Device Holding Part Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installation switching devices with a jump function are difficult to assemble and have reduced reliability due to complex production processes and susceptibility to bending during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a holding part and a rigid coupling part with a resilient restoring mechanism, allowing for linear movement and separate 'Hold/Release' and 'Reset' functions, simplifying assembly and enhancing reliability by using a compression spring for return to the holding position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holding part is made with a spring-elastic intermediate part (metal insert encapsulated in plastic), then the automatic return to holding position is achieved, but the production becomes complex, handling becomes difficult, and the part bends easily reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part is divided into two separate components: a rigid holding part and a separate resilient restoring means (compression spring). This segmentation eliminates the complex encapsulated spring-elastic intermediate part, making production simpler while maintaining reliability. The rigid holding part can be produced without complex molding operations, and the compression spring is a standard component that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient restoring function is extracted from the holding part structure itself and implemented as a separate compression spring. This extraction removes the problematic encapsulated metal insert from the holding part, eliminating the bending and handling issues while preserving the automatic return function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the holding part is made rigid and linearly movable, then assembly is simplified and reliability is improved, but a separate restoring means is required
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring serves multiple functions: it provides the restoring force for the holding part, acts as a cushioning element during operation, and can be used as a standard off-the-shelf component. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the separate component while simplifying the overall assembly process and improving manufacturability.
3Reliability
If the holding part is mounted on housing contour in longitudinally displaceable manner, then linear movement is achieved and assembly reliability is improved, but the housing contour must be precisely formed
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part's linear movement is self-guided by the housing contour itself, which serves as both the mounting surface and the guidance track. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate guidance mechanisms, and while precision is required, it can be achieved through standard injection molding techniques without excessive complexity.
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 design ensures easy assembly, high reliability, and resistance to temperature increases during switching arcs, with the holding part made from abrasion-resistant material and the coupling part from stable plastic, resulting in a space-saving, efficient switching mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient restoring means (4), in particular a compression spring, is provided, which is supported on the one hand on a housing contour and on the other hand on the holding part (12), so that the holding part (12) is resiliently loaded in its release position in the direction of a holding position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical installation switching device (1) with a switching mechanism with a latching point, with a contact lever (2) which is connected to a switching knob (5) via a tab (3) and a coupling element, wherein when the switching knob (5) is pivoted in the switching-on direction, the contact lever (2) is moved into the switching-on position with the latching point engaged, wherein means (10) are provided for temporarily holding and subsequently releasing the movable contact lever (2) during the switching-on process, so that when switching on, a sudden impact of the movable contact piece (6) attached to the contact lever onto the fixed contact piece (7) is effected.The means (10) comprises a holding part (12) and a rigid coupling part (13), wherein an active connecting means (11) is provided between the switching knob (5) and the coupling part (13) in order to bring the coupling part (13) and thus the holding part (12) into a release position in which the contact lever (2) is released when the switching knob (5) is moved further, and wherein a spring-loaded return means (4) is provided which is supported on one side by a housing contour and on the other side by the holding part (12), so that the holding part (12) is spring-loaded in its release position in the direction of a holding position in which the contact lever rests against the holding part (12).