Deceleration Mechanism for Shifting Device Arc Extinction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Two-position automatic transfer switches face issues with fast contact transfer leading to potential short circuits between power sources due to unextinguished arcs, and existing solutions either extend transfer time at the cost of reduced switching speed or performance for one-piece switches.
Innovation Solution
A slowing mechanism for switching apparatuses, featuring a rotatable shaft with slowing wheels and a movable rocker, which slows down the rotation by engaging with a slowing contour, allowing for controlled transfer times without reducing switching speed, comprising a slot with protrusions and recesses, and optionally a damping device and counterweight for enhanced resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the contact transfers quickly between two positions, then the switching speed is high and productivity is improved, but the arc may not be extinguished before touching the next power source, causing short circuit and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer speed variable rather than constant. The transfer mechanism starts with high speed to quickly open the contact from the first power source, then automatically transitions to low speed near the end of the transfer to allow arc extinction before contacting the second power source. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between high switching speed and reliable arc extinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism employs periodic action by dividing the transfer process into distinct phases: a first period with high transfer speed for rapid contact opening, and a second period with low transfer speed for controlled arc extinction and safe contact closing. This periodic variation in transfer speed ensures both high productivity during the main transfer and high reliability during the critical arc extinction phase.
2Reliability
If the transfer time is extended to allow arc extinction, then reliability is improved, but the switching speed is reduced and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism dynamically adjusts transfer speed based on the transfer phase. During the initial phase, high speed is maintained to ensure rapid response and high productivity. As the contact approaches the second power source, the speed automatically reduces to extend the transfer time specifically during the critical arc extinction period, thereby ensuring reliability without sacrificing overall switching efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by extending the transfer time only during the specific phase when arc extinction is needed, rather than slowing down the entire transfer process. This allows the majority of the transfer to occur at high speed, maintaining productivity, while selectively extending time only where necessary for reliability.
3Reliability
If the force applying to the operation mechanism is reduced to extend transfer time, then reliability is improved, but the speed of opening and closing contact is reduced, deteriorating performance and life time
Solution Approach 1:
The operation mechanism dynamically varies the applied force during the transfer process. In the first phase, sufficient force is applied to maintain high contact opening and closing speeds for performance and longevity. In the second phase, when the contact approaches the second power source, the force is automatically reduced to extend the transfer time and ensure reliable arc extinction, without affecting the overall contact speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The force application follows a periodic pattern with two distinct stages: a first stage with high force to ensure rapid contact operation and high speed, and a second stage with reduced force to extend transfer time for arc extinction. This periodic force variation achieves both reliability improvement and performance maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide a slowing mechanism (100) for a switching apparatus and a switching apparatus. The slowing mechanism (100) comprises: a shaft (1) adapted to be rotatable in response to an operation of an actuator to drive a moving element of the switching apparatus; at least one slowing wheel (2) fixed on the shaft (1) and having a slowing contour (6); and a movable rocker (4) engaging with the slowing wheel (2). The slowing wheel (2) is adapted to cause the rocker (4) to move abutting against the slowing contour (6) on the slowing wheel (2) in response to the rotation of the shaft (1), so as to slow down the rotation of the shaft (1). The slowing mechanism can slow down the operation of the moving element of a switching apparatus, while not impacting the switching performance and life time of the switching apparatus.