Automatic Isolation Switch for Power Transfer with Emergency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power transfer systems lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for automatic switching between main and auxiliary power sources, potentially leading to simultaneous connection hazards and backfeeding, which poses safety risks during power outages and emergencies.

Innovation Solution

An automatic power transfer device utilizing an alternating pivotal fulcrum with a mechanical auger drive and safety emergency isolation control to ensure safe switching and isolation, preventing simultaneous power source connection and activating an alert system for emergency situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power transfer switch is used to connect utility source to common load circuits while maintaining generating equipment disconnected on standby, then the system can accommodate alternative electrical sources, but the risk of simultaneous connection of two power sources to common load circuits cannot be completely eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate alternative electrical sourcesVSAvoidrisk of simultaneous connection of power sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automatic isolation switch as an intermediary device between the power transfer switch and the power sources. This isolation switch acts as a mediator that ensures complete disconnection of one power source before connecting the other, thereby eliminating the risk of simultaneous connection while maintaining the ability to switch between utility and generating sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual switching operations with an automatic control system that uses interlocking mechanisms and control circuits. The automatic isolation switch is controlled by signals from the power transfer switch, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring that the isolation function is always executed correctly without human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If an auxiliary power source is used to feed an existing load center normally powered by utility, then power supply continuity is improved, but the possibility of back feeding the utility with a generator through a common or neutral return conductor from the utility may exist, posing a safety hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidback feeding hazard to utility workers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic isolation switch serves as an intermediary barrier that prevents back feeding of the utility system. By ensuring complete isolation of the utility source before the auxiliary power source connects to the load center, the isolation switch blocks any potential back feeding path through common or neutral conductors, protecting utility workers while maintaining power supply continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary isolation of the utility source before connecting the auxiliary power source. The control system detects the loss of utility power and activates the isolation switch to disconnect the utility source in advance, ensuring that no back feeding can occur when the auxiliary source is connected. This preliminary action eliminates the back feeding hazard while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If manual switching operations are used to transfer power between sources, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and efficiency of automatic switching is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching mechanism simplicityVSAvoidautomatic switching reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual switching operations with an automatic control system that uses electrical interlocking mechanisms. The isolation switch is controlled by automatic detection circuits that monitor the status of power sources and automatically execute the isolation function when needed, eliminating human error and improving reliability while keeping the mechanical switching mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting power source status and executing isolation operations without human intervention. The control circuits continuously monitor the power sources and automatically activate the isolation switch when conditions require it, ensuring reliable operation while minimizing the complexity of manual control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8803369B1Automatic isolation switch for power transfer with emergency isolation control

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 CAUDILL WILLIE SAM

AI summary

A power system including an improved automatic power transfer device having an emergency isolation control that prevents a common load from at once being powered by a main and auxiliary power source, and eliminates any possibility of back feeding the main power source from the auxiliary power source.