Link Control Drive for Multi-Position Switching Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for multi-position switching devices, such as disconnectors and earthing switches, lack simplicity and operational reliability in maintaining precise positional control of movable contact pieces.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a link control system featuring two link pieces, one with indentations to hold the driver and the other with a flat surface for mounting, allowing the driver to be moved linearly and held in specific positions using electromagnet or hydraulic/pneumatic drive elements, ensuring secure positioning and preventing unauthorized movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a drive device with link control is used to achieve precise positioning of the movable contact piece, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple link pieces and drive elements
Solution Approach 1:
The link control is divided into two separate link pieces: a first link piece with indentations for positioning and a second link piece with a flat surface for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific function, simplifying the overall design while maintaining positioning precision. The driver interacts with the first link piece for precise positioning in three positions, while the second link piece provides structural support and mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver acts as an intermediary element between the linear movement drive and the movable contact piece. It translates the linear movement into discrete positional states by engaging with the indentations of the first link piece. This intermediary mechanism enables precise positioning without requiring complex direct control systems.
2Reliability
If electromagnet or hydraulic/pneumatic drive elements are used to hold the driver in specific positions, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first link piece with its three indentations serves as a self-locking mechanism. When the driver engages with an indentation, it automatically locks into position without requiring additional active components. The geometry of the indentations and driver creates inherent mechanical stability, allowing the system to maintain position passively once actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex active holding mechanisms with a passive mechanical positioning system. The indentations in the first link piece provide discrete positioning stations that mechanically constrain the driver to specific locations. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for continuous active control while maintaining reliable positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the link piece with indentations is made removable from the other link piece, then ease of operation is improved for moving the driver, but reliability decreases due to potential impermissible movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: when the link pieces are separated, the driver can move freely along the linear path for positioning; when the link pieces are joined, the driver is mechanically constrained to prevent impermissible movements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between ease of operation and reliability based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Before the link pieces are joined together, the driver is positioned in the desired indentation of the first link piece. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the link pieces are subsequently connected, the driver is already in the correct position, preventing any risk of impermissible movements during the joining process.
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 provides reliable and precise positioning of the movable contact piece in switched-on, disconnected, and earthed positions, enhancing operational reliability and safety by preventing unauthorized movement and ensuring accurate contact engagement.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnet systems can be provided as drive elements for the link pieces
Data Source
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Figure 8
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device, in particular for a multi-position switching apparatus, for example for a disconnecting and earthing switch, the movable contact piece (11) of which can be brought into three different positions: switched-on position, disconnected position, earthing position, and back, comprising a carrier (22) which can be moved linearly by means of a linear motion drive (18, 16), wherein an electromagnetically controllable link motion (41, 42) is provided, which retains and locks the carrier (22) in the three positions.