Circuit Breaker Alignment via Eccentric Wheel Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing alignment process of circuit breakers to switchgear is time-consuming and operator-dependent, relying on empirical methods and repeated adjustments to achieve correct alignment.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows independent adjustment of the rotational axes of wheels supporting the circuit breaker, using a pin with an eccentric portion to change the orientation and height of the circuit breaker, enabling easy alignment without significant operator effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If spacers are used to reduce misalignments between circuit breaker and switchgear, then alignment precision is improved, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and operator-dependent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment by automatically detecting the switchgear position and pre-positioning the circuit breaker using the truck's movement capabilities before the actual connection operation, eliminating the need for manual spacer adjustment during the alignment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical spacer adjustment system with an automated detection and positioning system that uses sensors to detect switchgear position and controls the truck motor to automatically align the circuit breaker, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with automated electromechanical control

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

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment methods are used for circuit breaker alignment, then alignment can be achieved, but the process requires high operator skill and repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting its own position relative to the switchgear and autonomously adjusting the truck position to achieve correct alignment, eliminating the need for operator intervention and skill-based judgment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously detect the position of the switchgear and circuit breaker, and this information is fed back to the control system which automatically adjusts the truck position to maintain correct alignment, replacing operator skill with automated closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple repeated adjustments are performed to achieve correct alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment detection and positioning before the connection operation begins, using the truck's motorized movement to pre-position the circuit breaker in the correct alignment with the switchgear, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments during the operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces iterative manual adjustment procedures with a single automated positioning operation where the control system calculates the required adjustment and the motorized truck executes the movement in one action, achieving alignment in a single step rather than through multiple repeated adjustments

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

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

Facilitates quick, efficient, and repeatable alignment of the circuit breaker to the switchgear, reducing the need for manual adjustments and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Each wheel (7) is connected to the circuit breaker (3), in particular to the truck (4), through a pin (8) which extends along a pin axis (P) and is rotatable in a corresponding pin seat (9) around the same. The pin (8) comprises an eccentric portion (13) which is eccentric with respect to the pin axis (P).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3435393B1System for alignment of a circuit breaker to a switchgear
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3435393B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP3435393B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3435393B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

A draw-out circuit breaker (3) comprises a plurality of wheels (7) so to be movable along a connection/disconnection direction (CD) with respect to a switchgear (5) between a connection position, wherein the circuit breaker (3) is electrically and mechanically connected to the switchgear (5), and a disconnection position, wherein the circuit breaker (3) and the switchgear (5) are electrically and mechanically disconnected, wherein each wheel (7) is rotatable along a rotation axis (R) which is transversal to the connection/disconnection direction (CD). The circuit breaker (3) further comprises a system for moving the rotational axis (R) of each of said wheels (7).