Integrated Shutter Mechanism for Switchgear Backlash Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-position switch operating mechanisms require a special shutter operating lever that needs to be manually attached and managed, leading to extra work and potential loss, and suffer from increased part count and backlash in contact operations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated shutter mechanism with a swingably supported shutter plate and lever that operates both disconnecting and earthing switch functions, using locking members to limit or release the shutter's swing, eliminating the need for a separate lever and reducing part count, with cams and shutter plate formed integrally to prevent backlash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a special shutter operating lever is used to switch between disconnecting switch and earthing switch operating parts, then the shutter functions can be switched, but the number of parts increases and the lever needs to be managed and attached manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the disconnecting switch operating part and earthing switch operating part into a single integrated shutter structure. The shutter plate serves both functions by rotating to different positions, eliminating the need for separate operating levers for each function. This merging of functions into one component directly reduces the number of parts while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shutter plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate the disconnecting switch, operate the earthing switch, and provide visual indication through its position. By making the shutter universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for specialized levers for each operation, thereby reducing part count while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If a special shutter operating lever is attached to the rotation shaft, then the shutter can be operated, but extra work is required for attachment and management
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter plate is designed to be self-operating through its integrated structure. The operating handle directly rotates the shutter plate without requiring separate attachment of levers. The shutter's own structure provides the mechanism for its operation, eliminating the need for external attachment and management of separate levers, thus saving time and effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate shutter mechanisms are used for disconnecting switch and earthing switch, then each function can be operated independently, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shutter mechanisms for disconnecting switch and earthing switch into a single shutter plate. The shutter plate rotates to different positions to independently operate each function, combining what would traditionally be separate mechanisms into one unified component, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining independent operation capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If cams and shutter plate are separately formed, then manufacturing is easier, but backlash occurs in contact operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cams and shutter plate into a single integrally formed component. This integration eliminates the gaps and clearance that would exist between separate parts, thereby eliminating backlash in the contact operation. The integral formation ensures precise contact operation while still allowing for standard manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter plate that is supported so as to be able to swing in both directions and covers both first and second operating parts, and a shutter mechanism that operates the shutter plate in one direction when the first operating part is to be exposed and in reverse direction when the second operating part is to be exposed are provided, wherein the shutter mechanism includes one pair of locking members for limiting or releasing the swing of the shutter plate.