Electrical Switching Device Signaling Auxiliary Block Presence

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical switching devices require manual and error-prone labeling to indicate the presence and type of auxiliary blocks, which can be damaged or illegible over time, necessitating frequent updates and potentially unsafe operations to verify their presence.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates movable signaling units that automatically change positions based on the presence of auxiliary blocks within the housings, using cams to activate visibility through viewing windows when the enclosure is closed, minimizing operator intervention and reducing human error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If self-adhesive labels are used to indicate auxiliary block presence, then information can be displayed externally, but the labels can be damaged, become illegible or come unstuck over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel informationVSAvoidsignaling reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling units automatically indicate the presence of auxiliary blocks without requiring manual intervention. The system self-updates when auxiliary blocks are added or removed, eliminating the need for operators to manually apply or update labels, thereby preventing information loss and maintaining reliability over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive label system with an automated mechanical signaling system using cams and signaling units that are mechanically coupled to the auxiliary blocks. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of adhesive labels while maintaining external visibility of auxiliary block presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If manual labeling is required to update auxiliary block information, then information can be displayed, but operator tasks increase and human error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation updateVSAvoidoperator task complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling system automatically updates itself when auxiliary blocks are installed or removed. The cams are mechanically coupled to the auxiliary blocks, so when blocks are added or removed, the signaling units automatically reflect the current configuration without requiring operator intervention, thereby reducing operator tasks and eliminating human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The signaling units are pre-configured with cams that are mechanically coupled to the auxiliary blocks. This preliminary mechanical coupling ensures that the signaling system is ready to automatically reflect any changes in auxiliary block configuration, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual labeling tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the cover is opened to verify auxiliary block presence, then accurate information can be obtained, but safety risks increase and authorized operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need to open the cover for verification with external visual signaling units that indicate auxiliary block presence through viewing windows. The cams and signaling units are designed to be visible from outside the enclosure, allowing operators to verify auxiliary block configuration without opening the cover, thereby eliminating safety risks and the need for authorized operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If frequent label updates are performed to maintain accuracy, then information remains current, but operational disruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The signaling system continuously and automatically reflects the current state of auxiliary blocks without requiring periodic manual updates. When auxiliary blocks are added or removed, the cams immediately drive the signaling units to reflect the new configuration, maintaining information accuracy without causing operational disruptions or requiring shutdowns for label updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10290451B2Electrical switching device equipped with means for signaling the presence of auxiliary blocks

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

AI summary

The electrical switching device comprises an outer enclosure, at least one housing for receiving a removable auxiliary block, the enclosure including a base and a cover, the cover being configured to cooperate with the base to close the outer enclosure.The cover includes signaling units movable between an inactive position and an active position, and control units configured to move the signaling units from the inactive position toward the active position during closing of the enclosure if at least one auxiliary block is present in a corresponding receiving housing.