Switching Strip Cover Mechanical Locking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching strips face issues with isolating blades or electrical fuses being ejected due to current-dynamic repulsion forces during short circuits, posing hazards to people and equipment, and existing solutions do not adequately prevent this ejection or allow for easy retrofitting to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device is integrated into the cover of the switching strip, allowing for a form fit between the shift lever and the carrier part to prevent pivoting and movement, securing the cover in place and preventing ejection during short circuits, and can be easily retrofitted into existing systems without requiring direct interaction with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking device is integrated into the cover to prevent ejection during short circuits, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the cover structure, merging the locking function with the existing cover component. The locking means are formed as part of the cover assembly, combining multiple functions (covering and locking) into a single integrated structure, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device utilizes the existing structural elements of the cover and carrier part to create the locking mechanism. The locking means engage with features already present in the cover design, allowing the system to lock itself without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a mechanical locking device is added to prevent ejection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the cover structure, merging the locking function with the existing cover component. The locking means are formed as part of the cover assembly, combining multiple functions (covering and locking) into a single integrated structure, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device utilizes the existing structural elements of the cover and carrier part to create the locking mechanism. The locking means engage with features already present in the cover design, allowing the system to lock itself without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the locking device prevents ejection during short circuits, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and retrofitting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover design incorporates locking means that can function in both original equipment and retrofitting scenarios. The locking mechanism works with standard carrier part features, allowing the same cover design to be universally applied across different installation situations without requiring custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed as an integrated part of the cover assembly that can be installed as a complete unit. This segmentation allows the locking function to be added by simply replacing or adding the cover, rather than requiring modification of the existing carrier part or internal components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement of a support part (2) and at least one cover (3) of a switching strip (1), in particular a load switching strip, preferably a fuse load switching strip. The cover (3) has a cover part (4) and a switching lever (5), wherein the cover part (4) is movably mounted in the support part (2) for moving the cover part (4) from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa, wherein the switching lever (5) is pivotably mounted in the cover part (4) about a pivot axis for moving the switching lever (5) from a first pivot position to a second pivot position and vice versa, wherein the switching lever (5) interacts with the support part (2) to convert a pivoting movement of the switching lever (5) into a movement of the cover part (4) relative to the support part (2), wherein the cover part (4) is arranged in the first end position in the first pivot position of the switching lever (5).The cover (3) has a mechanical locking device (6), wherein the locking device (6) has locking means movable between an open position and a locked position and vice versa, wherein the locking means in the locked position effect a positive locking between the switching lever (5) and the support part (2) or between the switching lever (5) and the cover part (4), to prevent the switching lever (5) from pivoting from the first pivot position to the second pivot position, and wherein the locking means in the locked position effect a positive locking between the cover part (4) and the support part (2), to prevent the cover part (4) from moving from the first end position to the second end position.