Geneva Ring Tap Changer Switching for Compact Odd-Even Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-load tap changers face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient mechanism for switching tap connections without interrupting power supply, often requiring complex and bulky mechanisms to manage odd and even positions simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A switching system utilizing a rotatable ring stack with a Geneva driving mechanism, where a single driving wheel and Geneva ring enable joint rotation of first and second current carrier rings, avoiding complex interconnections and allowing simultaneous movement of both rings for compact and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate mechanisms are used to rotate the first and second current carrier rings independently, then each ring can be controlled individually, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual control of current carrier ringsVSAvoidComplexity of interconnection mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of two current carrier rings (first and second rings for odd and even positions) into a single Geneva driving mechanism. The Geneva ring with its specific tooth configuration enables both rings to be rotated simultaneously and uniformly by one driving wheel, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each ring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single Geneva driving mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls both the first current carrier ring and the second current carrier ring, manages both odd and even positions, and ensures uniform rotation of both rings. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining operational control.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex interconnected mechanisms are used to manage odd and even positions simultaneously, then all positions can be controlled, but the switching system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveControl of odd and even positionsVSAvoidSize of switching system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of odd positions (first current carrier ring) and even positions (second current carrier ring) into a single integrated Geneva driving mechanism. The Geneva ring's tooth configuration allows one driving wheel to simultaneously control both rings, reducing the overall switching system size while maintaining full position control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple driving mechanisms are used for current carrier rings, then individual ring movement is precise, but the switching system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePrecision of ring positioningVSAvoidComplexity of driving mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Geneva ring structure inherently provides the timing and synchronization for rotating both current carrier rings. The specific tooth configuration of the Geneva ring automatically ensures that both rings rotate uniformly and simultaneously without requiring additional control mechanisms or complex interconnections, achieving precise positioning through the mechanism's own geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system achieves reliable and efficient switching between all odd and even positions with reduced complexity and size, ensuring continuous power supply during tap changes by using a single Geneva mechanism to drive both current carrier rings uniformly.

Implementation Method 1

the Geneva ring is mechanically coupleable with the driving wheel, such that the Geneva ring is rotatable by the driving wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeneva mechanism: Geneva Drive

Data Source

PatentUS12165825B2Switching system for an on-load tap changer, on-load tap changer and method for switching a tap connection of an on-load tap changer
Publication Date: 2024.12.10 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • US12165825B2 patent drawing
  • US12165825B2 patent drawing
  • US12165825B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Switching system for an on-load tap changer, on-load tap changer and method for switching a tap connection of an on-load tap changerA switching system for an on-load tap changer comprises:a rotatable ring stack, wherein the rotatable ring stack is part of an internal Geneva mechanism,a drive system,wherein the ring stack comprises:a first current carrier ring and a second current carrier ring each of which is selectively electrically coupleable to one of a plurality of contact elements of the tap changer, anda Geneva ring,wherein the drive system comprises a driving wheel,whereinthe Geneva ring is mechanically coupleable with the driving wheel, such that the Geneva ring is rotatable by the driving wheel,the first and the second current carrier rings each are coupled with the Geneva ring such that a rotation of Geneva ring causes a joint rotation of the first and the second current carrier ring.