Coupling Element for Vacuum Switching Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical switching devices, particularly vacuum interrupters, face challenges in achieving a simple and compact design due to complex kinematics required for moving switching contacts, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element that converts rotational movement from a drive into linear movement of switching contacts using an elongate winding body and flexible wires, allowing for flexible adaptation of kinematics and efficient opening and closing of electrical contacts, with variants including disk-shaped rotating bodies and varying wire arrangements for optimal movement conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex kinematics are used to move switching contacts in electrical switching devices, then the switching contacts can be actuated reliably, but the device becomes less simple and compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical kinematics with a magnetic field-based direct drive system. The magnetic drive generates magnetic forces that directly actuate the switching contacts without requiring intermediate mechanical linkages, levers, or complex transmission mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields achieves reliable switching contact actuation while dramatically simplifying the overall device structure and enabling compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex kinematics transmission components from the device. By using direct magnetic drive, the intermediate mechanical elements (levers, linkages, gears) are completely eliminated, leaving only the essential switching contacts and magnetic drive components. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical elements simplifies the device structure while maintaining reliable switching contact actuation.
2Volume of moving object
If direct drive is used between actuator and vacuum interrupter, then device compactness is improved, but reliable actuation becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic field-based direct drive to replace mechanical direct drive systems. The magnetic drive generates controlled magnetic forces that directly actuate the switching contacts with precise control, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages. This electromagnetic approach ensures reliable actuation while achieving compact device design, as the magnetic field can be precisely controlled through electrical signals without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible wire arrangements are used in the coupling element, then kinematic adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible wires with adjustable parameters (length, tension, arrangement configuration) to achieve kinematic adaptability. By varying these parameters, the coupling element can be adapted to different kinematic requirements without changing the fundamental structure. The flexible wires can be tensioned or arranged in different patterns to accommodate various movement requirements, providing versatility while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
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
Enables a simple and efficient conversion of rotational movement into linear movement of switching contacts, allowing for compact design and flexible kinematic adaptation, effectively addressing the complexity of contact movement in electrical switching devices.
Implementation Method 1
opposite rotational movements of the rotating body cause winding and unwinding of the wire or wires on the bobbin and thereby the bobbin is moved in its longitudinal direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling element for an electric switching device, in particular a vacuum switching tube, wherein the coupling element (10) comprises a first switching contact (1) for opening and closing an electric contact by means a second switch contact (2). The coupling element (10) according to the invention has an oblong winding body (3) having two ends (301, 302) which are opposite in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the first switch contact (1) is arranged on one end. The coupling element (10) furthermore comprises a rotation body (4) through which the winding body (3) extends and which is provided for coupling to a drive in order to carry out a rotation movement by means of the drive, wherein the rotation body (4) comprises two sides (404, 405), of which one faces one end (301) of the winding body (3) and the other faces the other end (302) of the winding body (3). The rotation body (4) is rotatably mounted on the winding body (3) and the winding body (3) is guided in a linear manner such that the winding body is not rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof, but can be moved in the longitudinal direction thereof relative to the rotation body (4). A plurality of wires (6, 6') is arranged between the rotation body (4) and the winding body (3) on one or both sides (404, 405) of the rotation body such that, via opposing rotation movements of the rotation body (4), a winding and unwinding of the wire(s) (6, 6') is caused on the winding body (3) and, as a result, the winding body (3) is moved in the longitudinal direction thereof relative to the rotation body (4) to open and close the electric contact of the first switch contact (1) by means of the second switch contact (2).