Switching Device Protruding Fastening Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and disassembly of mechanical switching devices are time-consuming due to the large number of screw joints required, and existing multi-phase switchgear devices necessitate multiple assembly steps and additional components for protection, complicating the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates protruding parts on the middle member that extend into the conductor members, allowing the base and middle members to fix and isolate the conductor pairs, reducing the need for screw joints and simplifying assembly by securing the conductor members in place, while also protecting them from the environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If screw joints are used to attach conductor members to the base member, then the conductor members are securely fixed in position, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed position of conductor membersVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from separate screw joints and integrates it into the middle member itself. The middle member includes integrated fastening elements that engage with corresponding features on the conductor members and base member, eliminating the need for separate screw joints while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions into the middle member: it provides structural support, electrical insulation, and fastening capabilities. By combining these functions into a single component with integrated fastening elements, the design reduces the number of separate assembly steps and components required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If multiple screw joints are used to join base member and middle member, then the components are securely attached, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidnumber of assembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the attachment of the middle member to the base member with the positioning of conductor members into a single integrated fastening system. The middle member's fastening elements simultaneously secure the middle member to the base member and hold the conductor members in place, reducing assembly steps while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The middle member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs structural support, electrical insulation, and fastening operations. Its fastening elements are universally applicable to secure both the middle member itself and the conductor members, reducing the need for specialized fastening mechanisms for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional middle member is used to cover conductor rails, then protection from foreign objects is provided, but the device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from foreign objectsVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The middle member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the conductor members, acts as an electrical insulator, provides mechanical fastening through integrated elements, and serves as a protective cover against foreign objects. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the protective cover function with the structural and fastening functions in the middle member. Rather than adding a separate protective cover component, the middle member itself is designed to enclose and protect the conductor members while performing its other essential functions, thereby reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8314670B2Switching device

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A mechanical switching device including a base member, at least one pair of elongated conductor members mounted on the base member, each conductor member with a conductor end, wherein the conductor ends of the pair of conductor members are separated by a gap, a middle member mounted on the base member, a switch member adapted to establish and disestablish an electrical connection between the conductor ends of the pair of conductor members. Each of the conductor members includes an opening in which a respective protruding part is received. The protruding parts are provided on and extend from the middle member so that the conductor members are electrically isolated and protected from the surrounding environment around the device.