Ring Main Unit Interlock Device for Safe Cable Cover Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ring main units lack an interlock device to control the attachment and detachment of the RISER circuit side cable cover, leading to safety accidents, reduced ease of use, and potential damage to components due to the need for manual vertical movement and lack of safety mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An interlock device is introduced, comprising an upper shaft bar, fixed portion, lower shaft bar, and elastic member, which allows for controlled attachment and detachment of the cable cover using a spring mechanism, preventing impacts and unauthorized access, and ensuring safe operation by restricting upward movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interlock device is added to control cable cover attachment and detachment, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device is nested within the existing ring main unit structure, with the upper shaft bar, lower shaft bar, and elastic member integrated into the holder assembly. This allows the safety control function to be added without requiring a separate external mechanism, thereby improving safety while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically engages the upper shaft bar and lower shaft bar to lock the cable cover in place, and automatically releases when the cable cover is removed. This self-actuating mechanism provides safety control without requiring additional external actuators or complex control systems, resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual vertical movement is required for cable cover attachment and detachment, then ease of operation deteriorates, but device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic one where the elastic member can flex and the shaft bars can move vertically. This dynamic design allows the cable cover to be easily attached and detached through simple vertical movement while the elastic member provides automatic locking and unlocking, significantly improving ease of operation without adding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper shaft bar and lower shaft bar act as intermediaries between the cable cover and the holder body. These shaft bars transmit the vertical movement force and enable smooth attachment and detachment operations, improving ease of use while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through the use of basic mechanical components.
3Ease of operation
If cable cover can be detached during operation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential safety accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device applies preliminary anti-action by automatically locking the cable cover in place through the elastic member engagement before any operation can occur. This pre-locking mechanism prevents unauthorized or accidental detachment during operation, ensuring safety while still allowing easy detachment when properly intended through the vertical movement mechanism.
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 interlock device facilitates easy and safe attachment and detachment of the cable cover using elastic force, preventing impacts and ensuring safe operation by restricting unauthorized access and preventing accidents during use.
Implementation Method 1
An interlock device is introduced, comprising an upper shaft bar, fixed portion, lower shaft bar, and elastic member, which allows for controlled attachment and detachment of the cable cover using a spring mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention may allow a cable cover to be attached thereto or detached therefrom using a spring, thereby having an effect of facilitating the attachment and detachment of the cable cover through an elastic force of the spring. The invention relates to relates to an interlock device (110) of a ring main unit attached to an inner frame (101) of the ring main unit (100) to control the attachment and detachment of a cable cover (103). The interlock device (110) may include a fixed portion fixed to the inner frame (101); an upper shaft bar provided to be surrounded by an elastic member, and formed with an elastic member compression platform to be protruded on an outer circumferential surface thereof to compress the elastic member or release the compression through the elastic member compression platform while moving in a vertical direction in a state of passing through the fixed portion. A lower shaft bar is connected to the upper shaft bar in an interlocking manner at a lower side of the upper shaft bar to move in interlocking with the cable cover (103) in a state that the cable cover is inserted thereinto to compress the elastic member or release the compression through the upper shaft bar.