Air Break Switch Blade Lock Against Premature Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage/high current air break switches are prone to premature pivoting of the blade about its longitudinal axis, leading to unstable electrical connections due to momentum or bouncing, which prevents subsequent closure using the operating mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The switch design incorporates a blade assembly that pivots about a first axis and rotates about a second axis perpendicular to the first only when seated, with a rocker assembly and toggle mechanism to ensure stable engagement with the jaw assembly, using a latching mechanism to maintain the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the blade is rotated quickly and stopped suddenly during opening, then the momentum overcomes the spring force and causes premature pivoting to closed contact position, but this results in the switch being unable to be subsequently closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a detent mechanism that preemptively prevents premature pivoting of the blade about its longitudinal axis. The detent engages with the blade during opening operations to counteract momentum-induced premature closure, ensuring the blade remains in the open contact position even when rotated quickly and stopped suddenly.
2Force
If the blade bounces off the distal electrical terminal during closing, then the blade rotates about its longitudinal axis before proper seating, but this prevents subsequent closure using the operating mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by preventing unwanted rotation about the longitudinal axis during closing operations. The detent remains engaged during the approach phase, counteracting bounce-induced premature pivoting, and only releases when the blade is properly seated in the closed contact position, ensuring reliable subsequent closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the detent to engage with the blade before contact with the distal electrical terminal. This preliminary engagement ensures the blade cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis until proper seating occurs, preventing bounce-induced premature pivoting.
3Force
If the blade is capable of pivoting about its longitudinal axis freely, then low closing force can be achieved, but this causes premature pivoting and unstable electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by restricting pivoting about the longitudinal axis during the approach and closing phases. This constraint maintains blade orientation stability while still allowing closure to occur when properly seated, preventing premature pivoting that would cause unstable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blade's rotational capability conditional rather than fixed. The detent mechanism dynamically constrains pivoting about the longitudinal axis during approach, then releases this constraint when the blade is properly seated, allowing the blade to achieve stable closed contact position.
Data Source
AI summary
An air break switch including a first insulator and a second insulator opposite the first insulator. The second insulator including a blade, wherein the blade is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the second insulator and about a second axis perpendicular to the second insulator.