Remote Control Switchgear with Intermediary Control Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control cut-off devices in electrical installation protection and control are complex and bulky due to their intricate mechanical interfaces between main contacts and trigger mechanisms, which complicates their design and operation.

Innovation Solution

A remote control switching device with a movable main contact and a control actuator driven by a control circuit, featuring a movable control contact that closes on a fixed control contact to trigger the opening of the main contact in response to electrical faults, utilizing magnetic and thermal tripping mechanisms for efficient fault detection and reduced mechanical complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex mechanical interface is used between main contacts and trigger mechanisms, then reliable fault triggering is achieved, but device complexity and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault triggering reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional complex mechanical interface between main contacts and trigger mechanisms with a simplified mechanical linkage system. The movable control contact directly actuates the trigger mechanism through a simple lever arm and pivot point arrangement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical couplings while maintaining reliable fault triggering. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical components and simplifies the overall mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional remote control mechanisms are used, then remote switching capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote control mechanism with the main switching mechanism by integrating the control actuator directly into the contactor assembly. The control actuator shares the same magnetic circuit and mechanical structure as the main contacts, allowing remote switching functionality to be achieved without adding separate bulky mechanical interfaces. This merging reduces the overall device volume while maintaining remote switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If frequent tripping occurs during electrical faults, then protection is provided, but wear on main contacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection functionVSAvoidmain contact lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable control contact as an intermediary element between the trigger mechanism and the main contacts. During fault tripping, the control actuator actuates the movable control contact to open the control circuit, which then triggers the main contacts to open. This intermediary mechanism allows the tripping function to be achieved with minimal mechanical stress on the main contacts themselves, reducing wear and extending their operational lifespan while maintaining effective protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the device design, reduces wear on main contacts during faults, and enhances performance under rated current conditions while maintaining effective short-circuit protection, with improved robustness and reduced risk of hot splashes.

Implementation Method 1

the control actuator comprises a coil for moving a plunger core coupled to the moving main contact when an excitation current flows through said coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

this device is characterized in that said tripping mechanism cooperates with said movable control contact to open said movable main contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2333805B1Remotely controlled switchgear and power distribution device provided with such a switchgear
Publication Date: 2015.05.13 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2333805B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2333805B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2333805B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The switchgear has a control actuator (53) controlled by a control circuit to displace a movable main contact from a closing position to an open position in one direction or in another direction. A triggering unit is cooperated with a triggering mechanism (51), and triggers in case of electric fault. The control circuit has a movable control contact activated by the mechanism to displace the movable main contact from the closed position to the open position in response to the electrical fault. The movable control contact is closed on a fixed control contact arranged on a base of the actuator.