Coil Actuator Integrated Timing Counter for Switching Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching devices for low or medium voltage circuits require external diagnostic equipment for timing tests, leading to complex wiring, high installation costs, and encumbrance due to the need for additional equipment to measure operation times.

Innovation Solution

A coil actuator with embedded electronic means to count operation times, allowing for internal timing measurements within the switching device, eliminating the need for external equipment by integrating detection, driving, counting, and comparing functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external diagnostic equipment is used to measure operation times, then timing test diagnostic function is achieved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming test diagnostic functionVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the timing test diagnostic function directly into the coil actuator by integrating electronic means (counter circuit) within the actuator itself. This combines the previously separate diagnostic equipment with the actuator, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and complex wiring connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil actuator performs its own timing measurement function through the integrated electronic means. The counter circuit automatically counts clock pulses during the actuator's operation to measure opening and closing times, making the system self-diagnostic without requiring external diagnostic equipment or additional wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If external diagnostic equipment is used to measure operation times, then timing test diagnostic function is achieved, but installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming test diagnostic functionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the timing test diagnostic function directly into the coil actuator by integrating electronic means (counter circuit) within the actuator itself. This combines the previously separate diagnostic equipment with the actuator, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and complex wiring connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil actuator performs its own timing measurement function through the integrated electronic means. The counter circuit automatically counts clock pulses during the actuator's operation to measure opening and closing times, making the system self-diagnostic without requiring external diagnostic equipment or additional wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If external diagnostic equipment is used to measure operation times, then timing test diagnostic function is achieved, but volume occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming test diagnostic functionVSAvoidequipment volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the timing test diagnostic function directly into the coil actuator by integrating electronic means (counter circuit) within the actuator itself. This combines the previously separate diagnostic equipment with the actuator, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and complex wiring connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic timing measurement means are nested within the existing coil actuator structure. The counter circuit and associated components are integrated into the actuator's housing, utilizing the existing space rather than requiring additional external equipment volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution simplifies the diagnostic process, reduces installation complexity and costs, and provides a compact, efficient means to measure and monitor operation times within the switching device.

Implementation Method 1

a coil electromagnet (2) arranged to move between a rest position (released position) and an actuating position (launched position), wherein the movement from the retracted to the launched position is suitable to cause the actuation of the switching device (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9620319B2Coil actuator for a switching device and related switching device

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

An exemplary coil actuator for an associated switching device which can be actuated during its operation from an open position to a closed position to allow a current to flow therethrough and from the closed position to the open position to interrupt such flowing from flowing therethrough. The coil actuator includes a coil electromagnet arranged to move between a rest position and an actuating position, wherein movement from the rest position to the actuating position is suitable to cause the actuation of the switching device; and an electronic component arranged to count an operation time which is indicative of the duration of the actuation of the switching device.