Stackable Switching Device With Pivoting Contact Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching device arrangements are complex and difficult to assemble and disassemble safely, requiring multiple parts and connections, which complicates the replacement of individual switching devices and limits their compactness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A stackable switching device with a pivoting contact carrier that allows for contact connection and disconnection without additional parts, using spring contacts for reliable contact force and reducing the need for busbars or cables, enabling simple assembly and disassembly by pivoting the contact carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If individual circuit breakers are wired using flexible conductors, then the switching device arrangement can be assembled, but the assembly becomes comparatively complex and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wiring function into the housing structure by integrating busbars directly into the housing of each switching device. This eliminates the need for separate flexible conductors to connect individual circuit breakers, as the busbars provide direct electrical connections between adjacent devices when mounted on the rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that contains and positions the busbars, which serve as the electrical connection medium between switching devices. This intermediary housing structure simplifies the overall assembly by providing built-in connection points that eliminate the need for separate wiring operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If circuit breakers are individually wired, then the power distribution function is achieved, but subsequent changes and device replacement become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into modular housing units, each containing its own busbars and switching device. This segmentation allows individual switching devices to be removed and replaced without affecting the wiring of other devices, as each unit is self-contained with integrated busbar connections.
3Ease of manufacture
If a base with slots is used to plug in circuit breakers, then the power distributor can be assembled, but the overall height increases and the structure becomes multi-part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base structure with the housing of the switching devices themselves. Instead of using a separate base with slots, each switching device housing is designed to mount directly to the rail and contain its own busbars, eliminating the need for a separate multi-part base structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuit elements are used for signal current routing, then the signal can be routed, but the number of parts and overall complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal routing function into the same busbar structure used for power distribution. The busbars are designed to carry both power and signal currents, eliminating the need for separate circuit elements dedicated solely to signal routing and reducing the overall number of parts.
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 solution simplifies the assembly and replacement of switching devices, eliminates the need for additional connections, and allows for a compact, user-friendly, and safe operation with reduced parts, enabling the lining up of any number of devices without complex busbar or cable connections.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling contact (15a, 15b) is suitably designed as a spring contact
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a switching device (2) having a housing (3) and a contact carrier (13) which is pivotable about a rotational axis (A), said rotational axis being in particular fixed to the device or the housing, said contact carrier comprising at least one coupling contact (15a, 15b) for producing or opening a power- and/or signal-carrying contact connection with at least one attached switching device (2).