Electromagnetic Actuator Under Voltage Release Coil Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic actuators in switchgear installations require a permanent magnet for operation and lack an integrated under voltage protection mechanism, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures due to separate under voltage release devices.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic actuator incorporates an under voltage release coil electrically connected to an auxiliary voltage source, which generates a magnetic flux opposing that of a tripping coil, eliminating the need for a permanent magnet and providing under voltage protection by using the auxiliary voltage to control the actuator's position, with the under voltage release coil positioned coaxially to the tripping coil for efficient space use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent magnet is used in the electromagnetic actuator, then the actuator can maintain holding force, but the device complexity increases and under voltage protection function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunder voltage protection functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the under voltage protection function and the holding function into a single coil structure. The coil serves dual purposes: it provides under voltage protection by releasing the latch when voltage drops, and it maintains the holding force during normal operation. This eliminates the need for separate permanent magnets and reduces device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the under voltage release mechanism and the holding force generator. By connecting the coil to the auxiliary voltage source, it continuously provides holding force, and when voltage drops, it automatically releases the latch. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate under voltage release device is used, then under voltage protection is provided, but the device complexity and potential failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunder voltage protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the under voltage release function directly into the existing coil structure of the electromagnetic actuator. The same coil that provides holding force also serves as the under voltage release mechanism, eliminating the need for separate release devices and reducing potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is designed to perform dual functions: maintaining the latched state during normal voltage conditions and automatically releasing the latch when voltage drops below the threshold. This universal design reduces the number of components and simplifies the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If under voltage release coil and tripping coil are in separate magnetic circuits, then each function is independent, but space efficiency and overall efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidfunction independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places both the under voltage release coil and the tripping coil within the same magnetic circuit formed by the yoke and holding plate. This shared magnetic circuit allows efficient use of space while maintaining functional independence through separate electrical connections and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While sharing the magnetic circuit, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the coils electrically independent with separate control circuits. The under voltage release coil responds to auxiliary voltage drops, while the tripping coil is controlled independently, ensuring functional independence despite spatial integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables a more efficient and fail-safe actuator with integrated under voltage protection, reducing the need for additional devices and ensuring the actuator switches off during voltage drops, while maintaining efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the under voltage release coil being able to generate a magnetic flux in the first magnetic circuit opposing a magnetic flux generated by the tripping coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The electromagnetic actuator comprises a closing coil for generating a magnetic flux in a second magnetic circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2652756B1Electromagnetic actuator with under voltage release
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP2652756B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2652756B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electromagnetic actuator has a yoke (9) for guiding a magnetic flux, and a holding plate (6) attached to an actuating member (1), the holding plate (6) and yoke (9) forming a first magnetic circuit. Furthermore a magnetic flux generation device is provided for generating a magnetic flux in the first magnetic circuit. The magnetic flux generation device comprises an under voltage release coil (5) electrically connected to an auxiliary voltage source representing the value of a voltage to be monitored.