Swivel Catch Mechanism for Enclosed Switch Assemblies

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional enclosed switch assemblies are costly due to their complex design and large number of components, which complicates the quick-make and quick-break functionality and lid retention mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A switch box mechanism with a swivel catch, pivot, catch end, slide feature, and spring biasing system that engages with both the rotor and lid, providing quick-make and quick-break functionality and lid retention in a single mechanism, reducing the number of components and enhancing operational simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional enclosed switch assemblies use separate swivel catch mechanisms and lid catch mechanisms, then reliable lid retention and quick-make/quick-break functionality are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid retention reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the swivel catch mechanism and lid catch mechanism into a single integrated switch box mechanism. The swivel catch includes both a swivel portion that engages with the rotor for quick-make/quick-break functionality and a catch portion that engages with the lid for retention. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing component count while maintaining both functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch box mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides quick-make/quick-break switching action through the swivel portion, maintains lid retention through the catch portion, and enables switch engagement/disengagement. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the enclosed switch assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional enclosed switch assemblies use multiple separate components for switching and lid retention, then functional reliability is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching functionality reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (swivel catch mechanism, lid catch mechanism, switch engagement mechanism) into a single integrated switch box mechanism. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining functional reliability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional enclosed switch assemblies use complex mechanisms for quick-make and quick-break functionality, then switching reliability is achieved, but operational simplicity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick-make and quick-break functionalityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the quick-make/quick-break switching mechanism with the lid retention mechanism in a single swivel catch assembly. This integration simplifies the operational interface, as the operator interacts with one unified mechanism rather than separate components, while maintaining the reliable quick-make/quick-break functionality through the spring-biased swivel design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution reduces the complexity and cost of enclosed switch assemblies while maintaining quick-make and quick-break functionality and ensuring secure lid retention, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured to bias the swivel catch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a spring configured to bias the swivel catch, the spring bias enabling quick-make and quick-break

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10431398B2Swivel catch apparatus, enclosed switch assemblies, and operational methods thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC

AI summary

A switch box mechanism of an enclosed switch assembly. The switch box mechanism includes a swivel catch having an elongated body, a pivot configured to allow the swivel catch to rotate relative to an enclosure, and a catch end including a catch configured to engage with an enclosure lid, and a slide feature formed in the elongated body, a rod configured to couple to a switch engagement member that is configured to engage with a rotor of a line base assembly, the rod having a slide portion slidably engaged with the slide feature, and a spring configured to bias the swivel catch. Enclosed switch assemblies and switch subassemblies including the switch box mechanism, and methods of operating enclosed switch assemblies are disclosed, as are other aspects.