Disconnector Drive Mechanism With Indexing Torque Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

High or medium voltage disconnector control devices are bulky and expensive due to complex mechanisms and heavy torque limiting means, which limits their compactness and reliability, especially in preventing direct transitions between closed and earthing positions.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical control device with a drive disk and driven disk system, where a rotating member with indexing means connects and disconnects the disks to maintain a constant or slightly variable transmission ratio, allowing torque limiting means to be placed near the motor, reducing the size and mass of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a Maltese cross mechanism is used to drive the transmission shaft, then the disconnector can be controlled to move between positions, but the torque transmission ratio varies between zero and maximum values, limiting the possibilities for arranging torque limiting means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of disconnector positionsVSAvoidarrangement of torque limiting means
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the Maltese cross mechanism with a drive disk and driven disk system equipped with indexing means. This substitution maintains the ability to control disconnector positions while enabling constant torque transmission ratio, which resolves the limitation on arranging torque limiting means by allowing them to be positioned anywhere in the power transmission chain rather than being constrained by the varying torque ratio of the Maltese cross mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If torque limiting means are arranged on the transmission shaft, then the risk of damage during blockage is limited, but the device becomes heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection during blockageVSAvoidmass of control device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the Maltese cross mechanism with the drive disk and driven disk system, the patent achieves constant torque transmission ratio. This allows torque limiting means to be relocated from the transmission shaft to positions closer to the motor, where the torque values are lower. Consequently, smaller and lighter torque limiting means can be used while maintaining the same protective function, thereby reducing the overall weight and bulk of the control device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If complex mechanisms with many mechanical parts are used to ensure reliable control, then the risk of malfunction is minimized, but the device becomes expensive, heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of mechanical parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex Maltese cross mechanism with a simpler drive disk and driven disk system featuring indexing means. This simplification reduces the number of mechanical parts while maintaining control reliability through the indexing mechanism that ensures precise positioning. The reduced complexity directly translates to lower cost, reduced weight, and reduced bulk, while the indexing means provides inherent reliability by preventing accidental position changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Weight of stationary object

If the transmission ratio is constant or slightly variable, then torque limiting means can be arranged near the motor to reduce size and mass, but the mechanism becomes simpler

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass of torque limiting meansVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a constant transmission ratio through the drive disk and driven disk system with indexing means, replacing the variable ratio Maltese cross mechanism. This substitution enables torque limiting means to be positioned near the motor where lower torques allow for smaller, lighter components. The indexing means provides sufficient control reliability without requiring complex mechanisms, achieving the desired balance between simplicity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2200057B8Driving mechanism for a medium or high voltage disconnector
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH

AI summary

Control device (10), comprising a rotating transmission shaft (12) intended to be coupled to a control device, a driving disc (66) mounted freely on the transmission shaft (12) and driven by a motor (14), a driven disc (68) rotationally fixed to the transmission shaft (12), and a rotating member (52) carrying an indexing means (58) which, under the effect of the rotation of said rotating member (52), is capable of being engaged simultaneously in two respective notches (90, 104, 128) of the discs (66, 68) to allow a rotational drive of said transmission shaft (12), and of being disengaged from one of said notches to allow a locking of the angular position of said shaft.