Current Collector Switching Assembly With Contactor-Breaker Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching arrangements for connecting and disconnecting current collectors from power distribution networks with high voltages above 1 kV face reliability and maintenance issues due to the combined switching and protective functions in a single switch, leading to high wear and tear, which limits the flexibility and efficiency of energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A switching arrangement that separates the switching and protective functions by using a contactor for switching and a mains circuit breaker for protection, allowing frequent connection and disconnection of current collectors without causing wear to the switching elements, and includes a soft switching device for transformer startup to prevent current peaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single switch combines both switching and protective functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases and maintenance requirements increase due to high wear on the switching elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching arrangement structureVSAvoidswitching element durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single combined switch into two separate components: a contactor for switching operations and a circuit breaker for protective functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the contactor handling frequent switching without wear concerns and the circuit breaker providing protection without being subject to switching wear, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the switching function from the protective function by removing the switching operation from the circuit breaker and assigning it to a dedicated contactor. This extraction allows the circuit breaker to focus solely on protection while the contactor handles switching, eliminating the wear problem that occurred when both functions were combined in a single switch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a single switch handles both switching and protection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity decreases due to limited switching cycles and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching operation simplicityVSAvoidswitching cycle frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the functions into contactor and circuit breaker, the system enables high-frequency switching operations through the contactor without being constrained by the circuit breaker's protection cycle limitations, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized control interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent switching operations are performed with a combined switch, then the flexibility and energy efficiency are improved, but the wear on switching elements increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching flexibilityVSAvoidswitching element service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The contactor is designed as a consumable component with lower cost compared to the circuit breaker. It can be replaced more frequently without significant expense, allowing the system to perform frequent switching operations while maintaining the expensive circuit breaker in good condition for protection functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 increases the service life and reliability of the system, reduces maintenance costs, and enables more flexible and efficient energy management by allowing frequent switching cycles while ensuring safety and network protection.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer (4) is designed to convert the primary-side mains voltage to a secondary-side current collector voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4325680A1Switching assembly and method for switching on a current collector to a power distribution network and for disconnecting same

Publication Date: 2024.02.21 MOSER JURGEN

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AI summary

The invention relates to a switching arrangement (1) and a method for connecting a current collector (2) to and disconnecting from a power distribution network (3), wherein a transformer (4) is designed to transform the primary-side network voltage above 1 kV to the secondary-side current collector voltage, and wherein the transformer (4) is connected to the power distribution network (3) on the primary side via a voltage line (18, 21). A circuit breaker (7) and a contactor (8) connected in series with it are arranged in the voltage line (18, 21). (See Fig. 1)