Remote Control Actuation Mechanism for Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control blocks for circuit breakers face issues with unreliable actuation mechanisms, particularly at the end of travel, due to double stop constraints which can lead to mechanical stress and inefficiency, especially when handling multiple auxiliaries.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an actuation mechanism with an electromagnetic actuator that stores energy during actuation and slows down at the end of travel, using a pivoting lever and spring means to extend the stroke, and a transmission bar with a lowered center of gravity to minimize deformation and inertia, along with magnetic means for position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electromagnetic actuator with double stop mechanism is used, then the actuation is simple and direct, but the mechanical stress increases and reliability decreases at the end of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element (viscous fluid damper) that activates before the actuator core reaches the hard stop position. The damper provides progressive resistance as the core approaches the end of travel, cushioning the impact and reducing mechanical stress on the stop mechanism and connected components, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a damping element as an intermediary between the actuator core and the hard stop mechanism. This intermediary component (viscous fluid damper) absorbs and dissipates the impact energy, preventing direct transmission of high mechanical stress to the stop mechanism and auxiliary contacts, thus reducing wear and improving operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator stroke is extended to accommodate multiple auxiliaries, then the control capability increases, but the mechanical complexity and stress on the actuator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation mechanism into distinct functional components: the electromagnetic actuator core, the lever mechanism, the damping element, and the auxiliary contact assemblies. This segmentation allows the extended stroke to be achieved through a coordinated sequence of component movements rather than a single complex mechanism, managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a pivoting lever that changes its mechanical advantage throughout the stroke, and a viscous fluid damper that provides variable resistance based on velocity. This dynamic behavior allows the system to accommodate multiple auxiliaries with different actuation requirements along the extended stroke without requiring equally complex mechanisms for each position.
3Speed
If the actuator operates at high speed for quick response, then the reaction time improves, but the mechanical wear and impact at the end of travel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The viscous fluid damper provides beforehand cushioning by creating increasing resistance as the actuator core approaches the end of its high-speed travel. The damping force builds progressively, preparing the system for the upcoming impact and enabling the actuator to maintain high speed for most of the stroke while still protecting components from excessive wear and impact at the termination point.
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 solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of remote control blocks by maintaining performance across various configurations, reducing mechanical stress, and ensuring precise control of circuit breakers with multiple auxiliaries, while optimizing reaction time and minimizing wear.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator, which preferably has a core and carcass of rectangular sections in sintered material
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism comprises spring means so that the end of the second arm, which can be coupled to the handle, assumes two different positions regardless of the position of the means for fixing to the actuator
Implementation Method 3
whose base is advantageously provided with a through recess allowing the core to be slowed down at the end of its travel
Implementation Method 4
along with magnetic means for position detection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~10
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a remote control unit (20) for an electric protection system (1), wherein the opening and/closing of the contacts are controlled via a joystick (50) driven via a mechanism (150) by a unidirectional electromagnetic actuator (120). The driving mechanism (150) includes a system with two hinged arms: a lever (151) attached to the core of the electromagnet, and a connecting rod (160) having one end (161) interacting with the joystick (50). In order to avoid the stresses due to the double abutment of the joystick (50) and the electromagnet (120), the connecting rod (160) is telescopically shaped with spring means (162) capable of building up energy upon actuation and enabling the coupling end (161) to couple with the joystick (50) to assume two positions for each position of the means (153) for attaching the driving mechanism (150) to the electromagnet (120).