Actuator Tappet Mechanism for Switchgear Position Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for switchgears face challenges with mechanical deviations and tolerances, leading to loss of contact with snap switches due to elastic deformation and vibrations, resulting in inaccurate position indication and increased adjustment effort.
Innovation Solution
The actuator is designed with a mechanical division of rotating and/or translating elements into two parts, using a tappet element to compensate for mechanical deviations caused by torsion and bending, and incorporating braking elements with defined hysteresis to maintain precise contact with snap switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical force transmitting elements are used to actuate snap switches, then the actuation force is transmitted, but mechanical deviation occurs due to elastic bending and torsion causing loss of contact
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating element is divided into a first part (4) and a second part (5) that are mechanically separable. The first part is directly connected to the drive, while the second part connects to the snap switch via a tappet element. This segmentation allows the two parts to move relatively to each other, compensating for mechanical deviations caused by elastic deformation in the transmission elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A tappet element is introduced as an intermediary between the first part (4) and second part (5). This tappet element enables controlled relative movement between the two parts, acting as a mediator that absorbs and compensates for mechanical deviations from torsion and bending in the transmission elements, ensuring reliable snap switch actuation.
2Measurement precision
If direct mechanical actuation is used for snap switches, then precise position control is achieved, but high adjustment effort is necessary due to tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing relative movement capability between the first part (4) and second part (5). This allows the system to accommodate tolerance variations in transmission elements without requiring precise adjustment, as the relative movement absorbs the tolerance deviations while maintaining precise snap switch actuation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mechanical connection is used between drive and snap switch, then position is clearly defined, but tolerances and vibrations cause loss of contact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a rigid static connection to a dynamic connection where the first part (4) and second part (5) can move relatively to each other via the tappet element. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain stable snap switch actuation despite vibrations and tolerance variations, as the relative movement adapts to changing mechanical conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are specified for transmission elements, then mechanical deviation is minimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of mechanical deviations from tight tolerances into a beneficial feature. By allowing controlled relative movement between the first part (4) and second part (5), the system actually benefits from larger tolerances in transmission elements, as these deviations are compensated by the relative movement mechanism rather than requiring expensive tight tolerance manufacturing.
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 ensures precise actuation and prevents loss of contact, simplifies adjustment, and allows for the use of parts with larger tolerances, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Due to elastic deformation, caused by high forces during the actuation, the contact to the snap switch can be lost
Implementation Method 2
incorporating braking elements with defined hysteresis to maintain precise contact with snap switches
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator for low-, medium- or high-voltage switchgears with a drive to move at least one movable contact, with mechanical actuation energy transmission elements between the drive and the movable contact system, in which rotating and/or translating elements are mechanically corresponding to at least one position determing switch, and a method for operating such an actuator. In order to compensate a mechanically by torsion and/or bending effects caused positions measuring fault in the drive, that the rotating and/or the translating element is devided mechanically into two relatively to each movable first part (4) and second part (5) in such, that via a tappet element between part (4) and part (5) a relative mechanical deviation of the movable part (4) to the movable part (5) is dimensioned in such, that it compensates the mechanical deviation caused by torsion and/or bending and/or tolerance of transmission elements.