Flexible-Link Switchgear Switch for Continuous Compact Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchgear technologies face challenges in maintaining continuous transmission and space efficiency for two or three position switches, particularly under load conditions, with lever-based actuation causing discontinuities and spindle-based activation being costly and limited in rotations, while push rod actuation requires significant space.

Innovation Solution

A switch design utilizing a moveable contact and flexible links that engage with a contact drive, allowing for continuous transmission and reduced space requirements through coiling or collapsing, facilitated by a cog wheel mechanism that can pull and push the flexible links with high axial forces without extensive rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lever-based actuation is used to move the switch between positions, then the switch can be actuated, but discontinuous transmission is created which affects reliability under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous transmissionVSAvoidactuation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible link connected to a drum mechanism that provides continuous transmission from the actuator to the switch contacts. The flexible link wraps around the drum, ensuring uninterrupted force transmission during switching operations, eliminating the discontinuities inherent in lever-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible link serves as an intermediary element between the actuator and the switch contacts. It transmits the actuating force smoothly while accommodating slight misalignments and maintaining continuous contact, thereby improving transmission reliability without complicating the actuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If spindle-based activation is used to avoid discontinuities, then continuous transmission is improved, but the mechanism is limited to several rotations and requires high accuracy threading which increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex spindle and threaded bolt-nut mechanism with a drum and flexible link system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-precision threading while maintaining continuous transmission capability. The drum rotates with the flexible link wrapped around it, providing smooth actuation without the manufacturing complexities of fine-threaded spindles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter from rotational threading (spindle) to wrapped flexible link (drum). This parameter change allows for continuous transmission with much lower manufacturing precision requirements, as the flexible link simply wraps around the drum rather than requiring precise thread engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If push rod based actuation is used to move the switch, then the switch can be actuated, but significant space is required for the actuation movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear push rod actuation to rotational drum actuation with a wrapped flexible link. The flexible link wraps around the drum in a circumferential path, utilizing the radial dimension of the drum rather than requiring linear space. This dimensional change allows the same actuation function to be achieved in a more compact space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible link is wrapped around the drum in a nested configuration, with the link effectively nesting around the drum's circumference. This nesting allows the actuation mechanism to be compact, as the flexible link stores its length around the drum rather than requiring linear extension space like a push rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240071698A1Switch for a Medium Voltage or High Voltage Switchgear

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A switch for a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear includes: a first fixed contact; a second fixed contact; a moveable contact; at least one flexible link; and a contact drive. In an on state of the switch, the moveable contact is in a position that connects the first fixed contact to the second fixed contact. In an off state of the switch, the moveable contact is in a position where the first fixed contact is not connected to the second fixed contact. The at least one flexible link is connected to the moveable contact. The at least one flexible link engages with the contact drive. The contact drive pulls the moveable contact via the at least one flexible link and pushes the moveable contact via the at least one flexible link. Activation of the contact drive in a first mode moves the moveable contact.