Multipole Electrical Apparatus Vertical Plug-in Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipolar electrical switch systems are inefficient due to bulky and expensive coupling elements and cannot connect devices stacked vertically, as they require tool slots for insertion and have inclined openings that prevent vertical alignment.
Innovation Solution
The design features multipolar electrical devices with connection terminals having openings perpendicular to the rear face, allowing for direct plugging of coupling elements without tools, reducing material usage and enabling vertical device alignment, using contact springs with specific hardness ratios for easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupling elements are designed to plug into slots intended for tool insertion, then electrical connection between devices is achieved, but the coupling elements become bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal opening serves dual purposes: it allows tool insertion for disconnecting external conductors and simultaneously accommodates coupling elements for inter-device connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coupling slots, reducing coupling element complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the coupling element insertion function from dedicated tool slots and integrates it into the existing connection terminal opening. This extraction simplifies the coupling element design by removing the need for separate coupling slots, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving electrical connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If openings for external conductor insertion are inclined at 20°-40°, then conductor connection is enabled, but vertical stacking of devices becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The opening design accommodates dynamic usage scenarios by being capable of receiving both inclined conductor insertions (20°-40°) and vertical coupling element insertions (90°). This dynamic adaptability allows the same opening structure to serve different functions based on the inserted element, enabling both ease of conductor operation and versatile device arrangement including vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of the opening from a fixed inclined angle to a flexible angle range that includes both the traditional 20°-40° for conductors and 90° for coupling elements. This parameter change enables the opening to adapt to different insertion scenarios, thereby allowing vertical device stacking while maintaining ease of conductor insertion.
3Reliability
If coupling elements require insertion through inclined slots, then electrical connection is established, but additional mechanical connections and tools are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element insertion process becomes self-service by utilizing the existing connection terminal opening that is already designed for tool access. The same opening that facilitates conductor connection also accommodates coupling elements, eliminating the need for separate coupling slots and reducing the need for additional mechanical connections and specialized tools, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
4Reliability
If traditional coupling elements are used in inclined slots, then devices can be connected, but material usage increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
By making the connection terminal opening universal for both conductor insertion and coupling element accommodation, the invention eliminates the need for separate coupling slots and associated materials. This multi-functionality reduces material consumption while maintaining reliable device connection, as the same structural feature serves multiple purposes without requiring additional materials.
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
This design simplifies and economizes the electrical switch system, allowing for user-friendly, safe, and efficient coupling of devices without additional mechanical connections, reducing material costs and enabling vertical stacking.
Implementation Method 1
contact springs with specific hardness ratios for easy insertion and removal
Data Source
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AI summary
A multipole electrical device (10, 100) of power such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, includes a housing (11, 111) formed in an electrically insulating material having a front face (12, 112) and a rear face (13, 113) equipped with fixing elements (14, 114) allowing the housing (11, 111) to be fixed to a support. The device (10, 100) includes polar power links comprising on the one hand internal power conductors (15, 115) housed in the casing (11, 111) and on the other hand at least one connection terminal (16, 116) by spring (17, 117) operating by direct plugging housed in the casing (11, 111) and having at least one opening (18, 118) delimited by the casing (11, 111) and which opens onto the front face (12, 112) to allow the insertion of external conductors and their connection to the internal conductors (15, 115).Each opening (18, 118) is such that the insertion direction (19, 119) of the external conductors is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face (13, 113) of the housing (11, 111). An electrical switching system and coupling elements are also described.