Single-body Actuating Arms with Friction-Reduction Region

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing start switches for rotating electric machines with single-phase power supply face issues of reliability, assembly stability, and contact exposure, leading to potential clumping and operational failures under extreme conditions.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece start switch with independent actuating arms and conductive blades, featuring a resilient element and friction-reduction materials, ensures robust assembly, reliable operation, and prevents contact clumping by using a centrifugal mechanism with pivoting arms and a friction-reduction surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If contact points are exposed and positioned without protection, then assembly and handling are simpler, but reliability deteriorates due to contact clumping and deterioration under extreme conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcontact point reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The start switch is divided into independent actuating arms (200) that can pivot independently, each with its own conductive blade (300). This segmentation prevents contact clumping by isolating individual contact points while maintaining assembly simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protective housing structure encloses the contact points while allowing controlled movement. The housing acts as a flexible barrier that protects contacts from external contaminants and prevents clumping, while still permitting the necessary mechanical motion for switching operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Device complexity

If friction between counterweights and rotating parts is not reduced, then the structure is simpler, but operation reliability worsens due to increased wear and friction under extreme conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidoperation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A friction-reduction material (235) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the sliding surfaces of the actuating arms and the centrifugal mechanism. This material layer reduces direct metal-to-metal contact and friction, improving operational reliability without significantly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction characteristics of the sliding surface are modified by changing the material parameter of the contact interface. The friction-reduction material alters the coefficient of friction between moving parts, enabling reliable operation under extreme conditions while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If contact points are not protected from clumping, then the device is simpler, but operational stability deteriorates leading to contact point deterioration and coil burning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Independent actuating arms with separated contact points prevent clumping by ensuring each contact operates in its own defined space. The segmented design maintains device simplicity while inherently preventing the clumping issue that affects unprotected contact systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective housing and friction-reduction materials are pre-installed to prevent contact clumping before it can occur during operation. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for complex post-failure interventions and ensures operational stability from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 provides a robust, reliable, and easy-to-assemble start switch that maintains continuous operation under extreme conditions, preventing contact clumping and ensuring stable electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient element (400) fitted in a protrusion (260) between the stops (220) and the stubs (210)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a friction-reduction region (235) in said sliding surface (230)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Implementation Method 3

The centrifugal force produced by the centrifugal counterweights exceeds the resistance of the springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS10978264B2Single-body actuating arms with a friction-reduction region that serves as a sliding surface

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 WEG EQUIP ELETRICOS SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a start switch or contact point (10) for rotating electric machines with single-phase power supply, having a base (100) bearing actuating arms (200) carrying conductive blades (300). The actuating arms (200) are independent and one-piece, each one carrying at least one conductive blade (300) and being pressed against a stop (220) by a resilient element (400), also including a sliding surface (230) with a friction-reduction region (235). The present invention also relates to an electric machine provided with a corresponding start switch or contact point.