Remote Switch Position Sensing for Closed High-Voltage Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage electrical switches, such as air break switches, experience high resistance and potential failure when not fully closed due to improper positioning, leading to overheating.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first and second switch with sensors that output signals indicating their positions, and an external device to remotely receive and monitor these signals, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical switches are not placed in a fully closed position, then the switch may have flexibility in positioning, but the electrical contacts have high resistance leading to over-heating and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors (optical, mechanical, or electrical) that detect the position of the switch blade and provide feedback signals to indicate whether the switch is in a fully closed position. This feedback mechanism allows monitoring of switch position to ensure proper contact engagement and prevent overheating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position indication methods with sensor-based detection systems. Optical sensors, mechanical sensors, or electrical sensors are used to detect blade position and generate signals, substituting purely mechanical indication mechanisms with more precise sensing technology.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and external monitoring devices are added to monitor switch position, then switch position accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position indication mechanisms with simpler sensor-based systems. Optical sensors, mechanical sensors, or electrical sensors provide precise position detection through non-contact or minimal-contact methods, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor elements as intermediaries between the switch blade and the monitoring system. These sensors (optical, mechanical, or electrical) act as mediators that convert physical blade position into detectable signals, enabling precise measurement without direct complex mechanical coupling.
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 system effectively monitors and maintains the correct position of high-voltage electrical switches, preventing overheating and potential failure by ensuring they are always in a fully closed or open position, thus enhancing their reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to sense a position of the first blade, and output a first signal corresponding to the position of the first blade
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting information related to an electrical switch. The system including a first switch, a second switch, and an external device. The external device is configured to receive the first and second signals corresponding to the first and second switches. Wherein the external device is located remotely from the first switch and the second switch.