Air Circuit Breaker Switching Shaft Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circuit breakers suffer from operational deviation and reduced lifespan due to deformation of the switching shaft under high loads, leading to component abrasion and unbalanced power distribution during switching operations.
Innovation Solution
The air circuit breaker incorporates a switching mechanism with a plurality of links to compress a closing spring, and a switching shaft with pair of holders on both sides to rotatably support the switching shaft, distributing the load and preventing central curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switching shaft is fixed at both ends by a bracket and connected to the switching mechanism through a connection shaft, then the circuit switching function is achieved, but the central portion of the switching shaft curves due to concentrated load
Solution Approach 1:
The switching shaft is divided into multiple supported sections by adding intermediate support points through holders. Instead of a single continuous span fixed at both ends, the shaft is segmented into multiple shorter sections, each supported by holders, which reduces the span length and distributes the load more evenly, preventing central curvature while maintaining the switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
Holders are introduced as intermediary components between the switching shaft and the frame. These holders serve as intermediate support points that bear and distribute the load from the switching shaft to the frame, preventing the shaft from bearing the full concentrated load that causes deformation, while still allowing the shaft to rotate for switching operations.
2Power
If the switching shaft is long to accommodate large current applications, then the current handling capacity is improved, but the switching shaft deforms remarkably under great load
Solution Approach 1:
The long switching shaft is segmented into multiple supported sections by adding holders at intermediate positions. This segmentation reduces the effective span length of each section, increasing the shaft's load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation while maintaining the overall length needed for large current applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is extended from a two-end support system to a multi-point support system along the length of the switching shaft. By adding holders at intermediate positions, the support is distributed across multiple dimensions along the shaft's length, reducing the bending moment and deformation in any single section.
3Ease of operation
If the load from the closing spring is converged to the central portion of the switching shaft, then the switching mechanism operates, but components connected to the switching shaft are abraded and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Holders are introduced as intermediary support points between the switching shaft and the frame. These holders distribute the load from the switching mechanism across multiple contact points along the shaft rather than concentrating it at the center, reducing abrasion and damage to components while maintaining the switching operation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The load path is segmented into multiple sections by the holders, which distribute the force from the closing spring across different locations on the switching shaft. This segmentation prevents load concentration at any single point, reducing abrasion and extending component lifespan while preserving the switching operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the both ends of the switching shaft are fixed at the base by a bracket, then the switching shaft is supported, but the switching shaft curves under great load from the closing spring
Solution Approach 1:
The switching shaft support structure is segmented from a two-end fixed support into multiple supported sections by adding holders at intermediate positions. This segmentation creates multiple shorter support spans, reducing the bending moment and curvature in each section while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is expanded from supporting only at the two ends to supporting at multiple points along the length of the switching shaft. By adding holders at intermediate positions, the support is distributed across the shaft's length, reducing curvature under load while maintaining stability.
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
This design minimizes operation deviation and extends the lifespan by reducing component abrasion and ensuring balanced load distribution across the switching shaft, preventing deformation and maintaining consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a switching mechanism 120 compressing a closing spring by converting a rotation force of a rotational shaft 122, which results from an operation of a handle 121, through a mechanical connection of components, and generating a driving force derived from an elastic restoring force of the compressed closing spring
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism (2) formed of a plurality of links (29,34,35) so as to compress a closing spring (25) by converting a rotating operation of a rotational shaft (21) and to generate a driving force derived from an elastic restoring force of the ciosing spring (25); and a switching shaft (3) mechanically connected to the switching mechanism (2) so as to transfer the dnving force generated from the switching mechanism to a movable contact (38), wherein the switching shaft (3) is provided with a pair of holders (45) installed at both sides from a center of the switching shaft so as to rotatably support the switching shaft (3) at a frame (9) supporting the both sides of the switching mechanism. Accordingly, the operation deviation of the circuit can be minimized by preventing the switching shaft from being deformed when the circuit performs a switching operation, and the lifespan of the air circuit breaker can be increased by reducing abrasion of componerits.