Arc-Driven Switchgear Closure Without Blasting Drive Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switchgears for modular multilevel converters require periodic replacement of drive units utilizing blasting techniques, leading to increased costs and potential reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A switchgear design that includes a fixed and movable electrode, a piston-driven movable electrode, and an arc generation mechanism using metal, which generates an arc to drive the piston and close the switchgear without the need for periodic replacement of drive units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a blasting technique using gunpowder is used for the drive unit, then high-speed operation is achieved, but periodic replacement is required leading to increased cost and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchgear operation speedVSAvoiddrive unit reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical blasting drive system (gunpowder-based) with an electromagnetic drive system using a solenoid coil. The solenoid generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the movable electrode, eliminating the need for periodic replacement of consumable blasting materials while maintaining high-speed operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from chemical energy release (blasting) to electromagnetic energy conversion. By using a solenoid coil that converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, the system achieves reliable, repeatable high-speed operation without the reliability issues inherent in consumable blasting materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If a blasting technique using gunpowder is used for the drive unit, then high-speed operation is achieved, but periodic replacement generates additional cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchgear operation speedVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical blasting drive system with an electromagnetic solenoid system. This substitution eliminates the need for periodic replacement of gunpowder charges and associated safety inspections, thereby reducing maintenance costs while preserving high-speed switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid-based drive unit can be repeatedly actuated without degradation or consumable replacement, allowing the switchgear to serve itself indefinitely without external intervention for drive unit replacement, thus eliminating recurring maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a blasting technique using gunpowder is used for the drive unit, then the switchgear can operate, but the drive unit requires periodic replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchgear operabilityVSAvoiddrive unit reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable gunpowder-based blasting mechanism with a robust electromagnetic solenoid system. The solenoid provides consistent, repeatable actuation without the variability and failure modes associated with chemical blasting materials, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid-based drive unit enables continuous, uninterrupted operation of the switchgear without periodic shutdowns for drive unit replacement. The electromagnetic system maintains its operational capability indefinitely, ensuring continuous useful action unlike consumable blasting materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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 eliminates the need for periodic replacement of drive units, ensuring long-term high reliability and allowing for high-speed operation of the switchgear.

Implementation Method 1

an arc generation mechanism including metal and provided in the container at a position opposite to the fixed electrode, the arc generation mechanism bridging a terminal unit connected to an external circuit, the arc generation mechanism opening a circuit with the terminal unit When energized to generate an arc at the opened portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArc generation: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentUS12205785B2Switchgear and power converter

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a switchgear that reduces a cost of periodic replacement of a drive unit and ensures reliability. A switchgear of the present disclosure includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode provided to face the fixed electrode, the movable electrode being contactable with and separable from the fixed electrode, a piston provided opposite to the fixed electrode to drive the movable electrode via a movable shaft connected to the movable electrode, a container to accommodate the piston, and an arc generation mechanism bridging including metal and provided in the container at a position opposite to the fixed electrode, the arc generation mechanism bridging a terminal unit connected to an external circuit, the arc generation mechanism bridging opening a circuit with the terminal unit when energized to generate an arc at an opened portion.