Circuit Breaker Spring Coupling for Jam Mitigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High- or medium-voltage circuit breakers with compression spring arrangements often jam due to lateral forces, and require precise guiding surfaces, which can be challenging to maintain effectively.
Innovation Solution
A spring arrangement with a cylindrical housing and a coupling mechanism that includes a support plate, articulation for rotational guidance, and sliding means for translational guidance, along with adjustable bolts to optimize the interaction between the spring and the rod, reducing friction and enhancing operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the moving end of the spring is directly guided in the cylindrical housing, then the structure is simple, but lateral forces cause jamming and require high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function is segmented into two independent parts: the articulation mechanism handles rotational movement and absorbs lateral forces, while the sliding means handles only translational guidance along the main axis. This separation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the need for high precision in both components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation acts as an intermediary element between the spring and the rod, mediating the lateral forces that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the guiding surfaces. By introducing this intermediate rotational joint, the system converts direct lateral loading into rotational motion, protecting the sliding guidance from jamming.
2Reliability
If the guiding surfaces are made with the best surface finish, then jamming is reduced, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function is divided between the articulation (handling rotation) and the sliding means (handling translation). This segmentation allows the sliding surfaces to have lower precision requirements since they only need to guide linear motion, while the articulation handles the complex lateral force accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation serves as a mediator that protects the sliding guidance surfaces from high lateral forces. By absorbing these forces through rotational movement, the articulation reduces the stress and friction on the sliding surfaces, allowing them to be manufactured with standard surface finishes rather than premium ones.
3Reliability
If the coupling arrangement allows rotational guidance, then lateral forces are accommodated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it allows rotational guidance to accommodate lateral forces, transmits the spring force to the rod, and protects the sliding guidance from jamming. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement merges the rotational guidance function and the force transmission function into a single integrated mechanism. The articulation and sliding means work together as a unified coupling system, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.
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 effectively mitigates jamming issues by providing enhanced guidance and adjustability, ensuring smooth operation and reduced friction, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers.
Implementation Method 1
Spring arrangements, for example for a high- or medium-voltage circuit breaker, comprise compression springs to store an amount of energy to be released when the mechanism is operated.
Implementation Method 2
the coupling arrangement comprises an articulation for rotational guidance of the second end of the rod with respect to the second end of the spring around a second axis B perpendicular to said main axis A
Implementation Method 3
the coupling arrangement comprises sliding means for the translational guiding of the second end of the rod along said main axis A
Data Source
AI summary
A spring arrangement for operating a high and medium voltage circuit breaker comprising a cylindrical housing having a main axis, an actuation rod, a coil spring arranged in the cylindrical housing, coupled with the rod, and a coupling arrangement coupling an end of the spring with an end of the rod, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises an articulation for guiding an end of the rod in rotation with respect to the second end of the spring around a second axis perpendicular to said main axis and comprises sliding means for the translational guiding of the second end of the rod along said main axis.