Actuator Micromotion for Circuit Breaker Latching Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the functionality of medium voltage and low voltage mechanical actuators in circuit breakers require complete activation, making it impossible to verify the functioning of latching elements without operational cycles, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a closing shaft and opening shaft with eccentricities that allow for small motion or micromotion of latching elements, enabling the actuator to be checked without full operation, using sensors to detect rotations and forces, thereby assessing the actuator's functionality without activating the circuit breaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete circuit breaker activation is used to check actuator functionality, then comprehensive operational testing is achieved, but the complexity and risk increase while preventing isolated verification of latching elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator checking function from complete circuit breaker operation by introducing a separate testing mechanism that independently actuates the closing shaft and verifies latching element functionality without requiring full circuit breaker activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing mechanism that mediates between the actuator and the complete circuit breaker system, allowing verification of actuator components through a simplified intermediate testing procedure rather than full system activation
2Reliability
If regular actuation of complete circuit breaker is performed to check actuators, then latching element functionality is verified, but time consumption and operational wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a simplified testing procedure that performs only the necessary movements to verify latching element functionality (rotating closing shaft and verifying hook engagement) without executing the complete circuit breaker actuation sequence
3Reliability
If complete circuit breaker activation is used for actuator checking, then proper functioning of all components is confirmed, but the risk of operational failures during testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification function from the complete circuit breaker operation by creating a separate, isolated testing procedure that checks actuator functionality without involving the main circuit breaker switching operations, thereby eliminating associated risks
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 solution allows for the evaluation of actuator functionality without operational cycles, detecting potential issues such as sticking or aging effects on latching elements, ensuring proper operation and preventing failures.
Implementation Method 1
The closing shaft and opening shaft have eccentricities which enable a small motion or micromotion of the latching elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator for a medium voltage circuit breaker. The actuator comprises a closing shaft (1), and a closing hook (2). The closing shaft has a longitudinal axis. The closing shaft comprises an interaction region at an interaction location along the longitudinal axis. The closing shaft is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. In a first state the closing shaft is configured to be at a first rotational position, wherein the closing hook is configured to be in contact with the interaction region such that the closing hook cannot rotate in a first rotational direction. In a second state the closing shaft is configured to be at a second rotational position, wherein the closing hook is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction past the interaction region of the closing shaft. The actuator is configured to transition from the first state to a third state, wherein the closing shaft is configured to rotate from the first rotational position to a third rotational position, wherein the closing hook is configured to be in contact with the interaction region such that the closing hook has been rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.