Electromagnetic Rapid Safety Switch for Reusable Sub-1 ms Tripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety switches, particularly those below 1000V nominal voltage, face challenges in achieving fast switching times and reusability, with complex structures and limited reliability in medium-voltage applications.

Innovation Solution

A fast safety switch design featuring a spring memory and electromagnetic trigger, with a movable contact system that allows for simultaneous contact of multiple poles within 1ms, utilizing a current tape contact combination and segmented fixed contact fingers for enhanced reliability and modular assembly, enabling quick switching and reactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single-pole switch with explosive charge is used to achieve switching times below 5ms, then switching speed is improved, but reusability deteriorates (switch cannot be reused after tripping)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timeVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switch into multiple independent poles (first pole, second pole, third pole) that can operate independently. Each pole has its own moving contact and fixed contacts, allowing individual operation and resetting. This segmentation enables the switch to be reusable after tripping, as each pole can be reset independently without affecting the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a preliminary latching mechanism that pre-positions the moving contacts in the closed position before tripping occurs. The latching mechanism holds the contacts in place, and upon tripping, the contacts are rapidly moved to the open position. After tripping, the latching mechanism can be reset to prepare for the next operation, enabling reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If an electromagnetic drive switches three poles simultaneously, then switching speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timeVSAvoidswitch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spring-loaded mechanisms for each pole that automatically return the moving contacts to the closed position after tripping. The springs are pre-compressed and provide the restoring force needed to reset the contacts without requiring external actuation. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex resetting systems while maintaining fast switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the three-pole switch into three independent pole units, each with its own moving contact, fixed contacts, and spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each pole to operate independently with simple individual mechanisms rather than requiring a complex integrated system to coordinate all three poles simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If fixed contacts are arranged close to moving contact for compact design, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch housing volumeVSAvoidcontact alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the fixed contacts with movable mounting elements that can adjust their position dynamically during operation. The fixed contacts are mounted on adjustable supports that allow for minor position adjustments to ensure proper alignment with the moving contacts. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable contact engagement without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves rapid switching times below 1ms, improved reliability, and reusability, addressing the limitations of existing safety switches by ensuring efficient and reliable electrical connections across multiple poles.

Implementation Method 1

The fast safety switch can be unlatched with an electromagnetic release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4298654B1Rapid safety switch and rapid safety switch system
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4298654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4298654B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4298654B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a rapid safety switch (100). The rapid safety switch (100) has a switch housing (110), said switch housing (110) having: - six outer housing faces (112), comprising a front housing face (113), an open rear housing face (114), an upper housing face (115), a lower housing face (116), a first housing face (117), and a second housing face (118), - an operating tool interface (120) which can be operated through one of the outer housing faces (112), and - one or more connection elements (130) for controlling the rapid safety switch (100), wherein the rapid safety switch (100) can be unlatched by an electromagnetic trigger (300), and the rapid safety switch (100) has a moving contact (200).