Two-Contactor Interlock Module Assembly for Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional assembly and disassembly process of interlock modules between contactors is time-consuming and laborious, especially when dealing with larger and heavier contactors relative to smaller and lighter interlock modules, and is excessively complicated and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a screw and nut assembly with stoppers on the contactors, combined with a housing and sliders, allows for the interlock module to be mounted by fixing the contactors to a base plate first, then attaching the sliders to the movable iron core assemblies, and finally securing the housing with the screw and nut assembly, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without requiring additional features on the base plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the traditional assembly process is used where contactors are mounted to the interlock module, then the interlocking function is achieved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three independent segments: the interlock module, the first contactor, and the second contactor. Each can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing the interlock module to be removed without disassembling the contactors themselves. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining the interlocking function while dramatically reducing assembly and disassembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting and dismounting mechanism is extracted from the traditional integrated assembly process. The interlock module includes dedicated mounting/dismounting mechanisms that enable it to be independently attached to and separated from the contactors, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire contactor assembly for maintenance or replacement of the interlock module.
2Reliability
If the traditional assembly process is used with larger and heavier contactors, then the interlocking function is achieved, but the mounting process becomes extremely complicated and procedures are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent components with standardized interfaces, the complex procedure of mounting heavy contactors to the interlock module is simplified. Each component can be handled and positioned independently, reducing the overall procedural complexity while maintaining the interlocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock module incorporates self-aligning and self-latching mechanisms that automatically guide the mounting process. The mounting/dismounting mechanisms include features that guide the heavier contactors into proper alignment and automatically secure them, reducing the complexity of assembly procedures and minimizing the need for complex manual alignment procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for mounting an interlock module between two contactors, comprises following steps: Step 1: Providing a first contactor having a first mounting surface and a first movable iron core assembly and a second contactormounting surface having a second mounting surface and a second movable iron core assembly, and placing the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface face to face, Step 2: Providing the interlock module comprising a first slider, a second slider and a housing formed separately from the first slider and the housing, an interlocking portion being mounted in the housing for interacting with the first slider and the second slider to generate an interlocking effect, Step 3: Connecting the first slider to the first movable iron core assembly of the first contactor through the first mounting surface, Step 4: Connecting the second slider to the second movable iron core assembly of the second contactor through the second mounting surface, Step 5: Assembling the housing to the first slider and the second slider, Step 6: Removably fixing the housing.