Coil Actuator Third Terminal Normal Overriding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coil actuators for low or medium voltage applications lack flexibility and reliable performance in selective release or locking mechanisms, particularly in switching apparatuses, requiring improved control over electromagnet operation.
Innovation Solution
A coil actuator design with a power & control unit and a third input terminal that allows for normal and overriding control conditions, enabling independent operation of the electromagnet regardless of input voltage, and includes a movable plunger actuated by a magnetic field for flexible and reliable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional coil actuator with basic electromagnet control is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the operational flexibility and control precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent input terminals (first, second, and third terminals) that can be configured separately. Each terminal serves specific control functions, allowing the system to be divided into modular control paths. This segmentation enables flexible operational modes without requiring complete redesign of the control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The third input terminal is designed to dynamically switch between two operating conditions: a first condition for normal control operations and a second condition for overriding control operations. This dynamic capability allows the actuator to adapt its control behavior in real-time based on operational requirements, enhancing flexibility without permanent structural changes.
2Reliability
If the electromagnet operation is strictly dependent on input voltage, then the control logic remains simple, but the reliability and independent operation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The third input terminal acts as an intermediary control element that can override the standard voltage-dependent control logic. When activated, it provides an independent control path that bypasses the normal voltage-based actuation sequence, allowing direct control of the electromagnet for critical operations such as releasing or locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is pre-configured with multiple input terminals that can be set to different operating conditions before operation. The third terminal can be preliminarily configured to either normal or overriding mode, allowing the system to be prepared for specific operational scenarios in advance, improving response time and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only basic voltage control is implemented, then the manufacturing cost remains low, but the functional versatility for different switching applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coil actuator is designed with multi-functional input terminals that can serve different control purposes depending on configuration. The first and second terminals handle basic voltage control, while the third terminal provides both normal and overriding control capabilities. This universal design allows a single actuator model to serve multiple switching applications without requiring custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single integrated actuator unit. The normal control and overriding control capabilities are combined in the third input terminal, allowing both standard operations and emergency/override operations to be handled by the same device structure, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.
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 coil actuator provides enhanced operational flexibility and reliability by controlling the electromagnet's operation based on different terminal conditions, allowing for specific control modes like Under Voltage Release and Permanent Supply Shunt Opening Release, suitable for various switching applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet, which includes one or more actuating coils operatively associated with a movable plunger in such a way that this latter can be magnetically actuated by a magnetic field generated by currents flowing along said one or more actuating coils
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a coil actuator for low and medium voltage applications, which comprises a electromagnet operatively associated with a movable plunger, a power & control unit electrically connected with the electromagnet and first and second input terminals (T1, T2) operatively connected with the power & control unit, wherein an input voltage (VIN) is applied between said first and second input terminals during the operation of the coil actuator. The coil actuator further comprise a third input terminal (T3) operatively connected with the power & control unit, the third input, terminal being adapted to be in a first operating connection (A), which correspondences to normal control conditions (NDC) for the operation of the electromagnet, or in a second operating condition (B), which corresponds to overriding control conditions (ODC) for the operation of said electromagnet. The power & control unit is adapted to control the operation of the electromagnet according to the normal control conditions or the overriding control conditions depending on the operating condition (A, B) of the third input terminal.