Electric Meter Power Line Switch Actuated by Mechanical Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric energy consumption meters with power line switches face reliability issues in strong magnetic fields and require high mechanical force to maintain low contact resistance, especially when handling currents above 50 A, while traditional electromagnetic relays are prone to malfunction and tampering.
Innovation Solution
An electric energy consumption meter with a power line switch actuated by a mechanical coupling arrangement, using a small and weak actuator with a mechanical energy storage system for repeated movements, which provides a large contact force and is magnetically insensitive, allowing reliable operation even in strong magnetic fields, and can handle multiple power line switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electromagnetic relays are used for power line switching, then remote disconnection capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in strong magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation system with a mechanical actuation system. A manual switch mechanism is provided that can be actuated by mechanical force through a coupling arrangement, eliminating the electromagnetic relay that is susceptible to magnetic field interference. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable operation in strong magnetic fields while maintaining remote disconnection capability through wireless communication control of the mechanical actuator.
2Extent of automation
If power relays are mounted inside the consumer's electric consumption meter, then remote control capability is achieved, but vulnerability to magnetic field interference and tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical coupling arrangement as an intermediary between the actuator and the switch mechanism. This coupling arrangement transmits mechanical force from the actuator to the switch member while providing isolation and protection. The manual switch mechanism is designed to be less vulnerable to magnetic field interference and tampering compared to electromagnetic relays, while still enabling remote control through wireless communication.
3Volume of moving object
If contact members are placed close together for compact design, then device size is reduced, but risk of sparks and contact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that before the switch operates, the contact members are properly positioned and prepared. The mechanical actuation system provides controlled movement of contact members, ensuring adequate spacing when disconnected to prevent sparks. The coupling arrangement is designed to maintain proper contact member separation in the disconnected state, preventing arcing and contact damage while allowing compact overall design.
4Reliability
If a strong actuator is used to provide large contact force, then contact resistance is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanical coupling arrangement that amplifies the force output of a small actuator. The coupling mechanism converts the small actuator's movement into large contact force through mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for a large, complex actuator system. This dynamic force multiplication provides sufficient contact force for low contact resistance while keeping the actuator system simple and cost-effective.
5Reliability
If manual operator disconnection is used, then switch reliability is maintained, but operational efficiency and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service system where the mechanical switch mechanism can be actuated automatically through the coupling arrangement in response to wireless control signals. The system combines the reliability of mechanical switching with the efficiency of automated control, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining switch function reliability through the robust mechanical design.
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 ensures reliable disconnection of power lines with low contact resistance, reduced risk of malfunction due to wear or magnetic interference, and allows for a compact, cost-effective design capable of handling high currents and multiple phases.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical energy storage arrangement connecting the actuator and the switch member to collect mechanical energy produced by the actuator and to release the collected mechanical energy for actuation of the switch member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
An electric consumption meter with a power line switch is provided. The switch either connects or disconnects an electric power line. An actuator, e.g. a small electro-motor or a piezo-electric motor, is arranged to actuate change state of the switch in response to a control signal. A mechanical energy storage arrangement connects the actuator and the switch member. Actuation of the switch member involves a plurality of repeated movements of at least one part of the actuator. The switch function of the meter is insensitive to influence of strong magnetic fields even in case e.g. an electro-motor is used as actuator. However, using a piezo-electric motor as actuator results in a completely magnetically immune switch function. Further, a small and weak actuator can be used and still provide mechanical energy to drive e.g. four switches, one for each of three electrical phase and one for neutral, and still provide a reliable switch function with force enough to provide a low "on" resistance of the switch, and to provide a quick switch function avoiding sparks. Preferably, the actuator, switch and mechanical energy storage arrangement are located within a casing of the meter, most preferably it is located with the largest possible distance to consumer accessible surfaces of the casing. The meter preferably has a communication module to receive the control signal, e.g. a wireless RF module. Measured consumed electrical energy data may also be communicated via the communication module.