Linear Selector for Transformer Tap Preselection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing step regulating devices for transformers require a large amount of constructional space and are complex, with high maintenance efforts due to the use of two individual tap selectors and complex discontinuous transmission systems.

Innovation Solution

A linear selector is designed with a fine selector and a reversing switch driven by a common transmission, using a Geneva wheel, bevel gears, and a traction mechanism to actuate a single contact slide for both uneven and even-numbered tap contacts, reducing the number of movable parts and simplifying the actuation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If two individual tap selectors are used to preselect taps of the transformer, then the transformer can be regulated in steps, but the constructional space required increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestep regulation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of individual selectors and guides
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate tap selectors (one for odd-numbered taps, one for even-numbered taps) into a single linear selector that handles both sequences. This merging eliminates the need for duplicate components such as guides, slides, and traction elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the step regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single linear selector is designed to perform multiple functions: it can select both odd-numbered and even-numbered taps of the transformer winding. By making the selector universal, the patent avoids the need for separate specialized selectors, reducing both constructional space and complexity.

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

2Productivity

If two individual tap selectors with individual guides and slides are used, then complete tap coverage is achieved, but the constructional space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete tap coverageVSAvoidconstructional space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of two separate selectors into one compact linear selector. This consolidation eliminates redundant structural elements such as parallel guides and multiple slides, significantly reducing the constructional space required while ensuring all taps (both odd and even) remain accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear selector arranges the tap contacts in a linear sequence rather than requiring two separate two-dimensional selector assemblies. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packaging of all tap contacts in a single line, reducing the overall footprint and constructional space occupied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a discontinuous transmission with numerous movable parts is used to actuate the selectors, then tap preselection is achieved, but the maintenance effort increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetap preselection functionVSAvoidsusceptibility to fault and maintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary movable parts from the transmission system. By redesigning the actuation mechanism to use fewer components, the patent reduces the number of parts that can fail, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance effort while still achieving complete tap preselection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The simplified transmission system requires less intervention and maintenance. By reducing the number of movable parts and complex couplings, the system becomes more self-sufficient and less prone to faults, aligning with the self-service principle of minimizing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If complex actuation mechanisms with numerous individual parts are used, then precise tap selection is achieved, but assembly errors increase and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetap selection precisionVSAvoidassembly errors and manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual actuation mechanisms into a single integrated linear selector assembly. This merging reduces the total number of parts that need to be assembled, thereby reducing assembly errors and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining precise tap selection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear selector is designed as a modular assembly with clearly defined segments (contact arms, guides, traction elements) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled in a standardized sequence. This segmentation approach, combined with reduced part count, facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly with fewer errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution results in a compact, economically viable, and low-maintenance linear selector that reduces constructional space requirements and simplifies the actuation process, allowing for efficient power-free preselection of tap contacts in transformers.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission consists of a Geneva wheel, a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, wherein the Geneva wheel is connected with the first bevel gear by a connecting shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeneva drive mechanism: Geneva Drive

Implementation Method 2

the transmission consists of a Geneva wheel, a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, wherein the Geneva wheel is connected with the first bevel gear by a connecting shaft to be secure against relative rotation and the second bevel gear is seated on a traction means shaft and is drivable by the first bevel gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBevel gear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the Geneva wheel consists of a Maltese cross seated on a disk to be secure against relative rotation, which disk carries at the circumference at a side remote from the Maltese cross a cam that co-operates with a groove of a fork of the shaft of the first contact fan and the second contact fan of the reversing switch. Pivoting of the shaft is produced by engagement of the cam in the groove of the fork of the shaft of the first contact fan and the second contact fan of the reversing switch.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS9570248B2Linear selector
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • US9570248B2 patent drawing
  • US9570248B2 patent drawing
  • US9570248B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a linear selector (1) for power-free preselection of tap contacts for a tapped transformer (100). The linear selector (1) according to the invention is cost-effective, simple and compactly constructed. The functions of a selector and a reverser are thus better connected. The linear selector (1) is constructed from a fine selector (2) and a reversing switch (3). The fine selector (2) and the reversing switch (3) are directly driven via a common gear unit (6).