Load Selector Vacuum Interrupter Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional load selectors with vacuum interrupters arranged in the same direction require a large oil compartment, making them less compact and space-saving, which is a disadvantage in on-load tap changers.

Innovation Solution

The load selector design features vacuum interrupters arranged alternately in opposite directions within switching segments, allowing movable contacts to move in opposite directions, optimizing space utilization and reducing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If vacuum switching tubes are arranged in the same direction in conventional load selectors, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the oil reservoir must have a large diameter making the device less compact and space-saving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-direction arrangement to a multi-dimensional alternating arrangement. Vacuum switching tubes are positioned alternately in opposite directions (upward and downward) within the same oil reservoir, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This alternating bidirectional arrangement allows the movable contacts to be actuated in opposite directions, thereby reducing the required diameter of the oil reservoir and making the overall device more compact without significantly increasing structural complexity

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

2Volume of moving object

If vacuum switching tubes are arranged alternately in opposite directions, then the load selector becomes more compact and space-saving, but the control mechanism becomes more complex requiring separate control cams for each tube

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil reservoir diameterVSAvoidcontrol mechanism fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control mechanism into separate control cams for upward-moving and downward-moving vacuum switching tubes. Each control cam is specifically designed to actuate vacuum switching tubes moving in its designated direction. This segmentation allows for standardized, simplified individual cam designs that can be manufactured independently and assembled together, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of control elements required for the alternating arrangement

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

This arrangement results in a more compact and cost-effective load selector that can perform the same switching sequences, utilizing installation space efficiently and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

Vacuum switching tubes (vacuum switching cells) are advantageously used as switching elements for load switching. This is based on the fact that the use of vacuum switching tubes for load switching prevents arcing in the oil and thus oil contamination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3022755B1Load selector
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • EP3022755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3022755B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3022755B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a load selector (1), comprising: a load transfer switch insert (14) having a switching tube (15) that can be rotated about an axis (A); at least one switching segment (25) fastened to the switching tube (15); and at least two vacuum interrupters (33, 34). The vacuum interrupters (33, 34) are arranged in the at least one switching segment (25). Each vacuum interrupter (33) has a movable contact in the direction of the axis (A) of the switching tube (15), which movable contact interacts with an actuating lever (45) at a free end (331) of the movable contact. According to the invention, the vacuum interrupters (33, 34) are arranged in alternately opposite directions in such a way that the movable contacts of the at least two vacuum interrupters (33, 34) can be moved in alternately opposite directions with respect to the axis (A).