Flexible-Link Switchgear Switch With Compact Cog-Wheel Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchgear technologies face challenges in maintaining continuous transmission and space efficiency for two or three position switches, particularly under load conditions, with lever-based actuation causing discontinuities and spindle-based activation being costly and limited in rotations, while push rod actuation requires significant space.
Innovation Solution
A switch design utilizing a moveable contact and flexible links that engage with a contact drive, allowing for continuous transmission and reduced space requirements through the use of a cog wheel mechanism, enabling the switch to transition between on, off, and earthing states with less than one rotation of the cog wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lever based actuation is used, then the switch can be actuated to move between positions, but discontinuous transmission is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spindle mechanism with continuous rotational movement to actuate the switch, replacing the discontinuous lever-based actuation. The spindle rotates continuously to provide smooth, uninterrupted transmission of motion from the actuator to the switch contacts, eliminating the discontinuities inherent in lever-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional lever-based mechanical actuation system with a spindle-based rotational mechanism. This substitution transforms the discontinuous angular movement of levers into continuous rotational motion, improving transmission continuity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If spindle based activation is used, then discontinuities are reduced, but the thread requires high accuracy and is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the spindle thread parameters, specifically using a coarse thread pitch rather than a fine, high-precision thread. This parameter change reduces the manufacturing accuracy requirements while maintaining sufficient transmission continuity, thereby lowering production costs without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thread characteristics to different sections of the spindle mechanism. The critical section requiring high precision is minimized, while other sections use coarser, less expensive threading. This localized differentiation optimizes the balance between transmission continuity and manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If push rod based actuation is used, then the switch can be actuated, but significant space is required for the actuation movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear push rod actuation to rotational spindle actuation, changing the dimension of motion from linear to rotational. This dimensional change allows the actuation mechanism to occupy significantly less space, as rotational mechanisms can be compactly arranged around a central axis rather than requiring extended linear travel space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the spindle mechanism to be compact and nested within the switch housing, with the rotational components arranged concentrically. This nesting allows the actuation mechanism to fit within a small volume, dramatically reducing the space required compared to linear push rod actuation which requires extended linear space.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch for a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear includes: a first fixed contact; a second fixed contact; a moveable contact; at least one flexible link; and a contact drive. In an on state of the switch, the moveable contact is in a position that connects the first fixed contact to the second fixed contact. In an off state of the switch, the moveable contact is in a position where the first fixed contact is not connected to the second fixed contact. The at least one flexible link is connected to the moveable contact. The at least one flexible link engages with the contact drive. The contact drive pulls the moveable contact via the at least one flexible link and pushes the moveable contact via the at least one flexible link. Activation of the contact drive in a first mode moves the moveable contact.