Force Amplification Module for Standardized Shunt Releases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical switching devices, such as circuit-breakers, require different sizes of shunt releases for varying current-carrying capacities, leading to increased costs and complexity due to differing force and path requirements, as well as different interfaces for release and reset, making it impractical to use a single standardized shunt release across all sizes.

Innovation Solution

A force amplification module that amplifies the release force of a shunt release, allowing a single size of shunt release to be used across different sizes of electrical switching devices by supplementing the release force as needed, thereby enabling the use of a standardized shunt release for a wide range of devices without additional parts or costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If different sizes of shunt releases are used for different current-carrying capacities, then the release force requirements are met, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shunt release is designed with a universal interface and standardized dimensions that allow it to be used across multiple circuit breaker sizes. The force amplification module acts as an adapter that enables a single shunt release design to fulfill multiple force requirements, making the shunt release multi-functional across different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into two independent functional modules: the standardized shunt release module and the force amplification module. This segmentation allows the shunt release to be designed once with fixed dimensions and interfaces, while the force amplification module handles the variable force requirements through mechanical advantage principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If different sizes of shunt releases are used for different current-carrying capacities, then the release energy requirements are met, but the manufacturing costs and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease energyVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single shunt release design with standardized dimensions and interfaces serves multiple current-carrying capacity requirements. The force amplification module compensates for energy differences, allowing the same shunt release to be manufactured and stocked for various circuit breaker sizes without requiring size-specific variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The force amplification module changes the force parameter through mechanical advantage while keeping the shunt release design constant. By varying the amplification ratio in the force amplification module rather than changing the shunt release size, the system meets different energy requirements without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If different interfaces for release and reset are used for different circuit breaker sizes, then the specific force and path requirements are met, but the adaptability and versatility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce and path requirementsVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shunt release is equipped with standardized release and reset interfaces that are compatible across different circuit breaker sizes. The force amplification module serves as an universal adapter that maintains interface consistency while accommodating different force and path requirements through its mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If larger energy stores are used in shunt releases for large compact circuit-breakers, then the higher release energy is achieved, but the installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease energyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage function is segmented from the shunt release and placed in the force amplification module. This allows the shunt release to maintain compact dimensions suitable for various circuit breaker sizes, while the force amplification module provides the necessary energy storage capacity through its mechanical advantage system without requiring the shunt release itself to be larger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 force amplification module allows for the safe release of large electrical switching devices by amplifying the release force, enabling universal use of a standardized shunt release across all sizes, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying production, while ensuring reliable operation across varying current-carrying capacities and fault conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the force amplification module has an energy store with at least three interfaces, wherein a first interface can be connected to an actuating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical energy storage: Mechanical Accumulator

Implementation Method 2

the force amplification module is designed to amplify the release force of a shunt release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9767977B2Force amplification module for an electrical switching device, unit comprising force amplification module and shunt release, as well as electrical switching device
Publication Date: 2017.09.19 SIEMENS AG
  • US9767977B2 patent drawing
  • US9767977B2 patent drawing
  • US9767977B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A force amplification module is disclosed for an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit-breaker, that is designed to amplify the release force of a shunt release which is designed to switch off the electrical switching device. A unit including a shunt release and the force amplification module for an electrical switching device is also disclosed, as well as an electrical switching device.