Medium Voltage Fuse Switch Drive Mechanism with Adjustable Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive mechanisms for Medium Voltage switches, particularly fuse switches, are unsatisfactory in terms of performance and manufacturing costs, requiring accurate spring dimensioning and testing, with spring characteristics degrading over time, leading to reduced speed and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism featuring latching and release means, spiral springs, and adjustable preload, allowing easy operation and adaptation, with latching arms and release buttons for efficient opening and closing, and adjustable means to fine-tune spring characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If accurate spring dimensioning and testing are used, then the speed requirements for opening/closing operation are met, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing an adjustable preload mechanism that modifies the spring's initial tension. This allows the same spring to achieve different opening/closing speeds by varying the preload force, eliminating the need for precise spring dimensioning and testing while maintaining required operational speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the adjustable preload mechanism that can be modified during operation or maintenance. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different speed requirements without requiring precise initial spring specifications, reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If precise spring dimensioning is implemented, then operational speed characteristics are maintained, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable preload mechanism enables parameter changes in the spring's initial tension, allowing the system to maintain consistent speed characteristics over time by adjusting the preload as springs age or deform, thereby reducing the need for expensive precision manufacturing and frequent replacements.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard spring characteristics are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the spring cannot be adapted to different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable preload mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing standard springs to be tuned for different applications by modifying the preload force. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility across different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable preload mechanism makes a single spring design universal for multiple applications. By changing the preload parameter, the same spring can serve different functions and requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized spring designs.
4Manufacturing precision
If high precision spring testing is performed, then speed requirements are guaranteed, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable preload mechanism replaces the need for precise spring testing with a simpler adjustment process. Instead of extensively testing each spring's speed characteristics, the system uses preload adjustment to achieve the required performance, significantly reducing testing time and cost.
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 mechanism simplifies the operation and maintenance of Medium Voltage switches by reducing the need for precise spring dimensioning and testing, allowing for easy calibration and adaptation, while lowering manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs, and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second spiral springs (41, 42)... which are loaded by rotation of said operating shaft (2) and which actuate said power shaft (3) when released
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive mechanism 1 for a Medium Voltage fuse switch comprising: a base plate 10 and a front plate 11 which defines an internal space housing an operating shaft 2 and a power shaft 3, coaxially mounted along a first longitudinal axis, the power shaft 3 being operatively connectable to a kinematic chain of a Medium Voltage fuse, the operating shaft 2 having a head 20 connectable to an operating handle for manual actuation of said operating shaft 2; a spring assembly 4 which comprises a first 41 and a second 42 spiral springs having a first end operatively coupled to said operating shaft 2, said spiral springs being loaded by rotation of said operating shaft 2 and actuating said power shaft 3 when released; latching means 5 for latching said power shaft 3 comprising a first 51 and a second 52 latching arm positioned on said power shaft 3; first 61 and second 62 release means for unlatching said power shaft 3 and allowing rotation thereof, the first release means 61 allowing a rotation of said power shaft 3 in an opposite direction with respect to said second release means 62.