Motor-Driven Cam Actuation for Bolted Pressure Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switch assemblies in commercial and industrial applications rely on manual handling to store and release energy for making and breaking electrical connections, which can be inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for human intervention.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus incorporating a motor and linkage system that deflects springs to shift a bolted pressure switch assembly between OPEN and CLOSED conditions, allowing for remote actuation and enhanced safety through wireless control, while storing and releasing energy more effectively than manual handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a manual handle is used to operate the switch assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy storage capability and operational safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handle system with an automated motor-driven cam assembly system. The motor (24) drives the cam assembly (52) through a linkage mechanism, substituting human manual operation with an automated mechanical system that can store and release energy more effectively while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly (52) is designed to deflect and store energy in the spring (54) before the actual switching operation occurs. This preliminary energy storage action allows the switch to be operated with greater force and speed, improving both power capability and operational reliability.
2Productivity
If manual handling is used to make and break electrical connections, then the operational speed is limited, but the safety risks increase due to human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven cam assembly system replaces manual handling, eliminating the need for human operators to be in proximity to high-voltage equipment during switching operations. This substitution directly addresses safety risks while improving operational efficiency through automated, consistent, and faster switching actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously through the motor and cam assembly mechanism, performing the switching operation without requiring human intervention. The motor (24) automatically drives the cam assembly (52) to deflect the spring (54) and operate the contacts, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating safety hazards associated with manual operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a motor and linkage system is introduced to store and release energy, then the energy storage capability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam assembly (52) is designed as a dynamic mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor (24) into controlled linear motion to deflect the spring (54). The cam profile is specifically shaped to optimize the energy storage and release characteristics, allowing efficient energy utilization while managing the complexity through purposeful dynamic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven cam assembly system serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force to operate the switch, stores energy in the spring, and controls the timing and speed of the switching operation. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving superior energy storage and release efficiency.
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 motor and linkage system enables greater energy storage and release in the spring mechanism, improving the efficiency and safety of electrical switch operations by allowing remote actuation and reducing the need for manual handling, ensuring reliable and safe electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The cam assembly deflects a spring into a stressed condition. The cam assembly also moves the first contact into electrical connection with the second contact under a bias of the spring upon return deflection of the spring from the stressed condition.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical switch assembly includes a first contact supported for movement into and out of electrical connection with a second contact. A cam assembly is configured to deflect a spring into a stressed condition, and to move the first contact into electrical connection with the second contact under a bias of the spring upon return deflection of the spring from the stressed condition. A motor has an output member. A linkage interconnects the output member with the cam assembly to deflect the spring into the stressed condition in response to movement of the output member.