Lead Screw Drawout Mechanism for ATS Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawout mechanisms for Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) are costly, inefficient, and unable to absorb vertical and horizontal misalignment, making maintenance hazardous and difficult due to complex components and lack of modular structure.
Innovation Solution
A lead screw operated drawout mechanism with a modular structure, supported by bearings, featuring a nut with complimentary threads and a connecting mechanism with a lever and claw, allowing for rotational motion and facilitating safe plugging and unplugging of ATS from live panels, capable of absorbing both vertical and horizontal misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art drawout mechanisms use complicated gear boxes, shaft couplings and stoppers, then the mechanism can achieve drawout function, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drawout mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: lead screw module, nut module, connecting mechanism module, and alignment module. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes unnecessary components from traditional drawout mechanisms, eliminating complicated gear boxes, shaft couplings, and stoppers. Only the essential lead screw, nut, and connecting mechanism are retained, significantly simplifying the device structure
2Device complexity
If prior art drawout mechanisms are designed with fixed alignment, then the structure is simpler, but the mechanism cannot absorb vertical and horizontal misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting mechanism incorporates dynamic alignment capabilities through movable connecting links and adjustable mounting positions, allowing the mechanism to adapt to vertical and horizontal misalignment while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw and nut assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the drawout motion, absorbs misalignment through its inherent flexibility, and enables both plugging and unplugging operations, reducing the need for separate alignment adjustment mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If ATS is mounted stationary to structural members or frame of Panel, then the connection is more stable, but inspection and maintenance becomes difficult and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The drawout mechanism enables the ATS to transition between stationary connected position and withdrawn maintenance position, providing both stable operation during use and easy accessibility during maintenance by allowing the ATS to be drawn out safely from the live panel
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 lead screw operated drawout mechanism is cost-effective, efficient, and reliable, enabling safe maintenance by absorbing misalignment and reducing the complexity of components, thus enhancing safety and ease of maintenance while maintaining continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The lead screw is supported on a support frame in a way such that the lead screw is adapted to rotate with respect to the support frame. The nut is adapted to be disposed on the lead screw, wherein rotary motion of the lead screw facilitates linear motion of the nut on the lead screw.
Implementation Method 2
The lead screw operated drawout mechanism includes a lead screw, a nut, a drive shaft and a connecting mechanism. The lead screw is supported on a support frame in a way such that the lead screw is adapted to rotate with respect to the support frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead screw operated drawout mechanism for an electrical system is disclosed. The lead screw operated drawout mechanism includes a lead screw, a nut, a drive shaft and a connecting mechanism. The lead screw is supported on a support frame in a way such that the lead screw rotates with respect to the support frame. The nut is disposed on the lead screw, wherein rotary motion of the lead screw facilitates linear motion of the nut on the lead screw. The drive shaft is rigidly disposed on the nut and configures linear motion along with the nut. The connecting mechanism is functionally connected to the drive shaft and the electrical system for facilitating activation and de-activation of the electrical system.