Bipolar Electromagnetic Switching Device with Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching devices require two drives for operational switching and overload/short-circuit protection, leading to increased size, mass, and production costs, as well as manual reset requirements after emergency shutdowns, which limits their compactness and remote maintenance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact switching device utilizing a bipolar electromagnetic drive unit with a bistable magnet system and a coupling element, allowing for reversible contact switching and rapid disconnection in a single unit, enabling automatic or remote reset after faults, and efficient operation with minimal power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two drives are used for operational switching and protective functions, then switching reliability is improved, but device size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate drives (electromagnetic reluctance drive for operational switching and mechanical spring-driven mechanism for short-circuit protection) into a single integrated electromagnetic drive unit. This drive unit contains both a first electromagnetic coil for normal switching and a second electromagnetic coil for short-circuit protection, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing overall device mass while maintaining dual-function reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single electromagnetic drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: the first coil handles operational switching and overload protection, while the second coil provides rapid short-circuit disconnection. This multi-functional design replaces the conventional specialized dual-drive system, reducing component count and mass while preserving all protective functions
2Reliability
If two drives are used for operational switching and protective functions, then switching reliability is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate drive mechanisms into one electromagnetic drive unit with two coils, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This integration simplifies the supply chain, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production costs while maintaining the reliability benefits of having both operational and protective switching functions
3Speed
If mechanical switching mechanism with springs is used for rapid disconnection, then short-circuit switch-off speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-driven switching mechanism with an electromagnetic actuation system. The second electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the armature for rapid disconnection, eliminating complex mechanical springs, linkages, and manual reset mechanisms. This electromagnetic substitution maintains high switch-off speed while dramatically simplifying the overall device structure
4Ease of operation
If manual cocking of switching mechanism is required after triggering, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic drive unit provides automatic reset functionality through its bistable design. After the second coil triggers rapid disconnection during a short circuit, the armature automatically returns to its initial position when the coil is de-energized, ready for the next operation. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for manual cocking while the simplified electromagnetic mechanism keeps device complexity low
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 enables compact, efficient, and cost-effective switching with rapid short-circuit disconnection times, automatic fault recovery, and reduced production costs by integrating both operational and protective functions into a single electromagnetic drive, supporting high switching speed and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic drive unit (3) has a movable armature (25) and two magnet coils (21, 22) held stationary in the magnetic circuit
Implementation Method 2
The drive unit is provided with a bistable magnet system whose magnetic circuit includes both one or more permanent magnets (23) and magnet coils (21, 22)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a compact and simply constructed switching device (1), particularly for supplying an electric motor, which facilitates both switching under normal load as well as disconnection upon overload and fast disconnection in case of short circuit. The switching device (1) comprises a main contact system (2), having at least one fixed contact (11,12) and at least one associated moving contact (13,14). For closing and isolating a current path (10), the moving contact (13,14) can be reversibly moved relative to the fixed contact (11,12) between two switching positions, namely a closed position and an open position. The switching device (1) also comprises a bipolar electromagnetic drive unit (3). The drive unit (3) comprises a moving armature (25) and a first stationary magnetic coil (21) and a second stationary magnetic coil (22) for reversibly moving the armature (25) between two armature positions that are stabilised in a permanently magnetic manner. The switching device (1) finally comprises a coupler (4) for transferring an actuating force from the drive unit (3) to the moving contact (13,14). The coupler (4) can be moved between an operating position corresponding to the closed position of the moving contact (13,14) and a trigger position corresponding to the open position of the moving contact (13,14). The switching device (1) is designed in such a manner that when the magnetic coils (21,22) are de-energised, the moving contact (13,14) is held in the open position in a mono-stable manner, that selective excitation of the first magnetic coil (21) enables the moving contact (13,14) to move into the closed position, and that the selective excitation of the second magnetic coil (22) enables the moving contact (13,14) to move into the open position for a maximum disconnection time permitted for a short circuit in the current path (10).