Removable Cam Follower Racking for Electrical Switchgear
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a modular racking system that can be optionally added to electrical switching apparatuses, allowing conversion between fixed and draw-out configurations, and can be integrated late in the manufacturing process or by customers, ensuring safety by maintaining contacts in an open position and discharging stored mechanical energy.
Innovation Solution
A modular racking system with a carriage assembly and cam followers that removably couple to the electrical switching apparatus, using a cam and cam follower mechanism to actuate the interlock assembly, allowing safe movement and conversion between fixed and draw-out configurations without fixed hardware coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed electrical switching apparatus is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced and structure is simplified, but adaptability to different configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The racking system is divided into separate modular components: a carriage assembly with wheels that can be removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus, and a racking device that interacts with the carriage. This segmentation allows the same electrical switching apparatus to be used in both fixed and draw-out configurations by simply adding or removing the carriage assembly, eliminating the need to manufacture separate hardware versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical switching apparatus is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate both fixed installation and draw-out configuration. The carriage assembly serves multiple functions: it provides wheels for movement along rails, includes a cam mechanism for actuating the interlock assembly, and offers removable coupling to the electrical switching apparatus. This multi-functionality allows a single design to serve multiple configuration needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a draw-out electrical switching apparatus is used, then adaptability and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex racking mechanism is extracted from the electrical switching apparatus itself and placed in the enclosure infrastructure. The carriage assembly is a separate component that can be removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus, containing the wheels, cam mechanism, and interlock actuation features. This extraction reduces the complexity of the electrical switching apparatus while maintaining draw-out functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage assembly serves as an intermediary component between the electrical switching apparatus and the enclosure rails. It includes wheels that engage with the rails for movement, and a cam mechanism that acts as a mediator to actuate the interlock assembly during racking operations. This intermediary approach simplifies the electrical switching apparatus design while enabling safe draw-out operations.
3Reliability
If the racking device is integrated into the electrical switching apparatus, then safety is ensured, but ease of late integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage assembly is designed with pre-integrated safety features including the cam mechanism that automatically actuates the interlock assembly during racking operations. The wheels are pre-configured to engage with the enclosure rails, and the removable coupling features are built-in to ensure proper alignment and connection. This preliminary integration of safety features into the modular carriage assembly ensures safe operation while allowing late addition to the electrical switching apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the carriage assembly and the electrical switching apparatus is designed to be dynamic and removable rather than fixed. The carriage can be attached or detached based on whether draw-out functionality is needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration. This dynamic approach enables late integration of the racking system while maintaining safety through the pre-designed cam and interlock assembly interaction.
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
Enables safe conversion of fixed electrical switching apparatuses to draw-out configurations, allowing late integration and ensuring contacts remain open during movement, thereby enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate hardware versions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cam follower structured to be removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus. The carriage assembly includes a set of wheels structured to engage the enclosure rails and at least one cam structured to functionally engage the at least one cam follower. The cam is structured to be actuated by the racking actuator.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular racking system for an electrical switching apparatus is provided. The modular racking system includes a carriage assembly structured to support electrical switching apparatus and at least one cam follower structured to be removably coupled to the electrical switching apparatus.