Circuit Breaker Actuating Mechanism With Direct Spring Energy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage circuit breaker actuating mechanisms are prone to failure due to complexity and high maintenance costs in mechanical systems, and hydraulic systems are susceptible to energy loss from fluid leaks.
Innovation Solution
An actuating mechanism combining mechanical and hydraulic elements, featuring dual accumulators with pistons and compressible members connected by interconnecting fluid passages, allowing direct mechanical energy transfer without relying on hydraulic fluid for opening the circuit breaker, thus reducing component count and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical actuating mechanisms with numerous components are used, then the circuit breaker can be operated, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical and hydraulic elements into a single actuating mechanism. The hydraulic system provides force multiplication while the mechanical elements provide direct connection and control, merging the advantages of both systems to reduce overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge the spring during normal operation and also force-open the circuit breaker during fault conditions. The same hydraulic-cum-mechanical system handles both closing and forcing open operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms.
2Reliability
If mechanical components are made stronger to prevent failure, then reliability improves, but weight and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid to transmit force and perform work. The hydraulic system provides high force output with relatively small input energy, as the incompressible fluid efficiently transmits pressure from the motor to the piston, avoiding the need for heavy mechanical components that would consume more energy.
3Device complexity
If hydraulic actuating mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy loss from fluid leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into distinct closed circuits: one circuit for charging the spring and another for forcing open operations. This segmentation isolates potential leak points and allows each circuit to be independently sealed and maintained, reducing overall energy loss from leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the hydraulic system. The outlet fluid passage is designed with specific sealing characteristics for the charging operation, while the interconnecting passage has different sealing requirements for the forcing open operation. This localized optimization reduces energy loss in each specific function.
4Force
If hydraulic fluid passages are used for energy transfer, then large loads can be developed, but leakage risk and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component between the hydraulic circuits. The valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid between the first and second circuits, allowing force transfer while providing a controlled interface that can be sealed and maintained. This intermediary enables the hydraulic system to develop large forces while reducing leakage risk through controlled fluid pathways.
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 mechanism provides reliable and efficient operation with reduced maintenance costs and minimized risk of energy loss, ensuring the circuit breaker can be opened promptly and safely.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressible member (15), the first piston (11) being movable in the first cylinder (14), against the force of the first compressible member (15), from a discharged position to a charged position by admitting hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
by admitting hydraulic fluid, and movable to return, under the force of the first compressible member, to the discharged position by releasing the hydraulic fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating mechanism (30) for a circuit breaker (7) comprises a first piston (11) movable in a first cylinder (14), against the force of a first compressible member (15), by admitting hydraulic fluid, and a second piston (21) movable in a second cylinder (24), against the force of a second compressible member (25), by admitting hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid can transferred from the second cylinder (24) into the first cylinder (14) via an interconnecting fluid passage (35), and released from the first cylinder (14) via an outlet fluid passage (37). The first piston (11) is arranged to be connected to a circuit breaker (7) in a switchgear (5) so as to open and close it. Importantly, the first piston (11) is directly mechanically connected to the first compressible member (15), ensuring that all the energy stored in the compressible member (15) is available to open the circuit breaker (7).