High Voltage Circuit Breaker Linkage Timing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage circuit breakers require complex mechanics with many individual parts to actuate the interrupter unit and switch, and the timing of opening is determined by a spring, leading to a less reliable and more complicated design.

Innovation Solution

A gas-insulated high-voltage circuit breaker with a series-connected interrupter unit, switch, and on-resistance, where the switch's movable contact is mechanically coupled to the interrupter contact via a gear mechanism, allowing for precise control of the switch's closing and opening times, and utilizing a cam mechanism or slotted link control for a compact and lightweight design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanics with many individual parts are used to actuate the interrupter unit and switch, then the circuit breaker can be actuated, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuation of the interrupter unit and the switch into a single integrated mechanism. The drive unit directly actuates both components through a unified mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation systems. This merging of functions reduces the number of individual parts and improves reliability by reducing potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates both the interrupter unit and the switch, and it controls both closing and opening operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated actuators for each component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a spring is used to determine the opening time of the switch, then the opening action is achieved, but the timing control precision is reduced and the mechanism becomes less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming control precisionVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based timing mechanism with a direct mechanical linkage from the drive unit. The opening time is precisely controlled by the synchronized movement of the drive unit's components rather than by spring elasticity, which varies with temperature and wear. This substitution provides more reliable and precise timing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If the on-resistance remains connected in the circuit after the interrupter unit is closed, then the circuit remains complete, but ohmic losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveohmic lossesVSAvoidswitch mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is designed to automatically open before the interrupter unit closes. This preliminary action of the switch ensures that the on-resistance is disconnected from the circuit before the main current path is established, minimizing ohmic losses. The timing is built into the mechanical linkage of the drive unit, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2188822B1High voltage circuit breaker with a switch for connecting a closing resistor
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP2188822B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2188822B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2188822B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a high-voltage power switch having an interrupter unit (14), a starting resistor (18), and a switch (15) connected in series with the starting resistor (18). The interrupter unit (14) comprises a first interrupter contact (32) displaceable along an axis (A1) and driven, acting together with a second interrupter contact (33) disposed on the axis (A1) to open and close the high-voltage power switch. The switch (15) comprises a switch contact (46) pivotable about a pivot axis (D), the pivoting motion of which is coupled to the motion of the first interrupter contact (32) along the axis (A1) by means of a link motion (60).