V-Shaped Guiding Pull Ring for Recloser Contact Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In power distribution networks, the alignment issues between the unit top contact and mounting hooks in recloser switch assemblies often result in misalignment, preventing electrical connection, which requires inconvenient and costly disassembly for correction.
Innovation Solution
A guiding pull ring with a V-shaped guide piece is integrated into the vacuum interrupter assembly to facilitate the alignment and engagement of the unit top contact with the mounting hooks, ensuring reliable electrical contact even when misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unit top contact is positioned outside of the attachment hooks due to misalignment, then the switch assembly can be installed, but electrical connection cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The guide piece acts as an intermediary element between the pull ring and the unit top contact. It provides a mechanical guidance path that ensures the unit top contact aligns properly with the attachment hooks during the closing operation, mediating the interaction between the operator's manipulation and the electrical connection requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide piece performs preliminary alignment action before the unit top contact engages with the mounting top contact. By providing guidance features that pre-position the contact, the system ensures proper alignment is achieved before the critical electrical connection moment, preventing misalignment issues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the unit top contact engages the mounting contact but does not make electrical connection, then the switch assembly is secured, but operational functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The guide piece serves as a mediator that coordinates both the mechanical securing and electrical connection functions. Its guidance features ensure that as the unit top contact is pulled into engagement, it simultaneously achieves both stable mounting and proper electrical alignment, rather than treating these as separate outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the alignment and securing functions into a single guided engagement process. The guide piece integrates the alignment guidance with the engagement mechanism, so that one action simultaneously achieves both stable mounting and reliable electrical connection, rather than requiring separate operations.
3Reliability
If misalignment occurs requiring disassembly and reassembly, then correct installation can be achieved, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide piece performs preliminary alignment guidance during the initial installation process, preventing misalignment before it occurs. By providing continuous guidance during the closing operation, it ensures correct installation is achieved in the first attempt, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide piece enables the installation process to be self-correcting. If minor misalignment occurs, the guidance features automatically guide the unit top contact into proper alignment with the attachment hooks during the closing operation, without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment by the installer.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A guiding pull ring member for guiding a unit top contact in a switch assembly into a mounting contact. The guide ring member includes a mounting ring defined in a first plane, a grasping ring coupled to one side of the mounting ring and being defined in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and a V-shaped guide piece coupled to the mounting ring at a side opposite from the grasping ring and extending perpendicular to the first plane. The guiding pull ring member has particular application for a solenoid operated vacuum interrupter recloser switch mounted to a utility pole.