Integrated Circuit Breaker Actuator for Multi-Stage Switchgear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers require separate actuators for the disconnector and circuit breaker, leading to bulkier and more complex switchgear systems with increased space requirements and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
An actuator for a circuit breaker is designed with a housing, actuating shaft, armature, and multiple windings that allow for selective energization to operate the circuit breaker between ON, OFF, and earth conditions, integrating the functions of a disconnector and circuit breaker into a single actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate actuators are used for disconnector and circuit breaker, then each component can be independently controlled, but the overall size and complexity of the switchgear system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the disconnector actuator and circuit breaker actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. The housing contains both the first armature (for disconnector) and second armature (for circuit breaker), with a common operating shaft that transmits motion to both components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator serves multiple functions: it can operate the disconnector alone, operate the circuit breaker alone, or coordinate both operations simultaneously. The single actuator unit with multiple armatures and windings provides universal control capability for both electrical components
2Reliability
If separate actuators are used for disconnector and circuit breaker, then each component has dedicated actuation, but the space occupied by the substation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate actuators into one integrated unit with shared housing, mounting structure, and power supply interface, the physical space required for actuator installation is significantly reduced while maintaining dedicated actuation paths for each component through separate armatures
3Device complexity
If a single integrated actuator is used for both disconnector and circuit breaker, then the overall size and complexity is reduced, but the actuator must perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator is designed with universal multi-function capability through separate winding sets (first winding for disconnector, second winding for circuit breaker) and separate armatures, allowing it to perform any combination of operations: disconnector only, circuit breaker only, or coordinated operation of both
4Volume of moving object
If integrated actuator with multiple windings is used, then compact operation is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into distinct functional modules within a common housing: first winding assembly for disconnector, second winding assembly for circuit breaker, first armature, second armature, and operating shaft. This segmentation allows standardized manufacturing of modular components that can be assembled systematically
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 integrated actuator provides a compact, efficient, and stable multiple-stage operation, reducing the overall size of the switchgear system and simplifying maintenance, while enabling effective switching and grounding functions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least three windings is configured to be selectively energized to displace the at least one armature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An actuator (100) for a circuit breaker in a switchgear is disclosed. The actuator comprises a housing (102), an actuating shaft (108), at least one armature (112), and at least three windings (104). The housing (102) is defined with a bore (116) along a longitudinal axis (A-A) of the housing. The bore (116) of the housing (102) facilitates displacement of the actuating shaft (108) within the bore (116). The actuating shaft (108) is connectable to an electrical component of a circuit breaker. On selective energization of the at least three windings (104), the at least one armature (112) connected to the actuating shaft (108) is configured to be displaced within the bore (116) to facilitate multiple-stage based configuration of the actuator (100).