Modular Transfer Device for Automatic Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing automatic transfer switch (ATS) systems face complexities in assembly, mis-operation risks due to length adjustment errors in transmission rods, noise generation, and durability issues from impact and potential curvature of thin transmission rods during repeated operations.

Innovation Solution

The ATS incorporates modularized closing and trip links with length-adjustable transmission rods, featuring a nut-type length-adjusting unit and impact-absorbing buffers to facilitate accurate assembly, reduce noise, and enhance durability by preventing curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If transmission rods are made thin to reduce space and weight, then the device complexity is reduced, but the intensity and durability of the transmission rod decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidtransmission rod intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission rod uses a composite structure combining a thin-walled hollow cylindrical body (providing structural integrity and resistance to bending) with internal reinforcement elements (such as ribs or support structures). This composite design allows the rod to maintain high strength and durability while keeping the overall dimensions compact and the structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If transmission rods are made integrally rigid, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to absorb impact increases harmful factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidimpact noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission rod incorporates shock-absorbing elements (such as rubber buffers, dampers, or elastic components) at strategic locations to cushion impact forces before they can cause damage or noise. This beforehand cushioning allows the rod to maintain its rigid structure for precision while simultaneously absorbing harmful impact forces and reducing noise during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If closing links and trip links are installed independently, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission rod integrates multiple functions into a single component by combining the closing link and trip link mechanisms into one unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the adaptability and versatility of the independent link installation through modular connection points and adjustable features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2284851B1Transfer device for automatic transfer switch
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 LG INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO LTD
  • EP2284851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2284851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2284851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a transfer device (200) for an automatic transfer switch (100). With the configuration of the transfer device, the transfer device, which is installed between a plurality of air circuit breakers (110,120) to allow switching of a closed state and a tripped state of the plurality of air circuit breakers, can be modularized so as to be easily assembled. A length of a transmission rod (215,225) can be adjusted so as to facilitate assembly and maintenance of the transfer device and also minimize the probability of occurring an assembly error, allowing accurate closing and trip operations. The transmission rod (215,225) may be provided with a buffer (215d,225d) to reduce impact noise generated upon switching of the closing and trip operations of each air circuit breaker and enhance reliability of the device. Also, the transmission rod can be formed with a preset thickness without being curved (bent), thereby avoiding the transmission rod from being curved (bent), resulting in preventing a mis-operation from occurring during the closing and trip operations.