Electromagnet Remote Drive for Fast Rotary Switch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote drives for switching devices do not meet the required fast switching times and reliability standards, especially in medical settings, and often lack integration compatibility with existing switching devices due to complex mechanics or single power supply reliance.
Innovation Solution
A compact electric remote drive design using two independently controllable electromagnets with a rocker arm and crank mechanism for rotary force absorption, allowing direct integration with switching devices and enabling fast switching times, with optional manual operation and position sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electric motors are used as actuators in remote drives, then the switching device can be actuated, but the switching times required by standards (less than 500 ms) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with electromagnets as actuators. Electromagnets provide direct electromagnetic force generation without mechanical rotation or complex transmission mechanisms, enabling switching times under 500 ms while meeting medical standards for rapid disconnection.
2Reliability
If a single control voltage source is used, then the remote drive structure is simplified, but the required reliability and electrical safety cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply into two independent control voltage sources (first and second control voltage sources). This segmentation ensures electrical safety and reliability by providing galvanic isolation, where failure of one power source does not affect the other, meeting medical electrical safety standards.
3Speed
If complex mechanics (spring accumulator or electromagnet) are used for fast switching, then switching times are reduced, but the remote drive becomes unsuitable for integration and expansion with switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex mechanical components like spring accumulators from the system. By using only electromagnets with a simplified slide mechanism, the design achieves fast switching times while maintaining structural simplicity suitable for integration with switching devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If force transmission moves the switching knob via a drive rail, then the switching device can be actuated, but compatibility with switching devices having a switching shaft for rotary force absorption is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal actuation mechanism where the slide can transmit linear motion that converts to rotary motion via a crank, making it compatible with both switching knobs and switching shafts. This multi-functional design enables integration with various switching device types regardless of their specific actuation interface.
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
The solution achieves standard-compliant switching times and reliable operation, with reduced mechanical complexity and integration effort, supporting both manual and automated operation while ensuring electrical safety and system availability.
Implementation Method 1
two independently controllable actuators which are designed as electromagnets and act oppositely on a slidably mounted slide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electric remote drive (2) for actuating an electric switching device (4) with rotary force reception via a switching shaft (5), with two independently controllable actuators, which are designed as electromagnets and act oppositely on a slidably mounted slide, wherein the slide has a trough-shaped recess for carrying a first lever arm of a rocker arm mounted about a rocker arm pivot axis, the second lever arm of which has a recess at its end into which a pin of a crank engages, which can be positively connected to the switching shaft (5) and has an arc-shaped elongated hole through which the rocker arm pivot axis passes, wherein the rocker arm pivot axis is axially offset circumferentially as a sectionally roof-shaped contour on which a leaf spring rests for fixing a switching position.Furthermore, the invention relates to an electric remote drive arrangement (80) with a remote drive (2) according to the invention and an electric switching device (4) as well as an electric remote drive unit (90) with a left-side and a right-side electric remote drive arrangement (80) which are arranged symmetrically to each other and are mounted on angle rails (55).