Switching Device Lever Coupling for Contact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low voltage switching devices with suspended mobile contact assemblies are complex to assemble and maintain, requiring precise mechanical tolerances and multiple interconnections, leading to high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of lever-type coupling elements with a first coupling point for mechanical support, a second coupling point as the fulcrum, and a third coupling point for force application simplifies the structure and operation of the mobile contact assembly, allowing easier assembly and maintenance by reducing the complexity of interconnections and improving mechanical support and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suspended mobile contact assembly is used, then the switching device can be operated, but the assembly structure becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function and actuation function into a single integrated coupling element. The coupling element simultaneously supports the mobile contact assembly at its first coupling point and transmits actuation force through its lever mechanism, eliminating the need for separate support structures and connecting members. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it acts as a support structure for the mobile contact assembly, serves as a lever for mechanical advantage, provides a hinge connection to the supporting frame, and transmits actuation force from the control mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple interconnections are used to support and operate mobile contact assembly, then the assembly can be maintained in operative position, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interconnection functions into a single coupling element that simultaneously provides support, actuation, and positioning. Instead of requiring multiple separate components to be assembled and interconnected, the integrated coupling element reduces the number of assembly steps while maintaining the stability of the mobile contact assembly in its operative position.
3Reliability
If severe mechanical tolerances are required, then proper operation is ensured, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides mechanical advantage through its lever configuration. This allows the system to achieve proper operation with reduced mechanical tolerances by amplifying the actuation force and providing a more favorable mechanical relationship between components, thereby easing manufacturing and assembly requirements while ensuring reliable operation.
4Reliability
If complex interconnections are used, then the mobile contact assembly can be supported and operated, but maintenance interventions become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates support and actuation functions into a single coupling element, which simplifies the overall structure and reduces the number of interconnections that need to be accessed during maintenance. The streamlined design provides better accessibility to the mobile contact assembly for maintenance interventions while maintaining the necessary support and operation capabilities.
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 configuration enhances the robustness and stability of the mobile contact assembly, simplifies assembly and maintenance, reduces operational costs, and improves the mechanical efficiency and precision of switching operations.
Implementation Method 1
said coupling elements are configured as a lever, in which said first coupling point is the point of said lever on which a mechanical load is applied, said second coupling point is the fulcrum point of said lever and said third coupling point is the point of said lever on which a force is applied
Data Source
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AI summary
A switching device (1) comprising: - an outer casing (2) defining an internal volume of said switching device; - one or more electric poles (3), each electric pole comprising one or more mobile contacts (31) and one or more contacts (32) adapted to be coupled or uncoupled during a switching operation of said switching device; - a contact shaft (4) accommodated in the internal volume of said switching device and adapted to rotate about a rotation axis (400) during a switching operation of said switching device, said contact shaft having a shaped body comprising one or more contact seats (41) adapted to accommodate at least partially said mobile contacts (31), so that said mobile contacts rotate with said contact shaft (4) about said rotation axis (400) during a switching operation of said switching device; - a control mechanism (5) comprising a supporting frame (51, 510) fixed to said outer casing (2) to provide support to movable members of said control mechanism and one or more connecting rods (52) to provide a force to move said contact shaft (4) during a switching operation of said switching device. The switching device comprises one or more coupling elements (61) to provide a mechanical connection between said control mechanism and said contact shaft.