Rotatable Force Flux Element for Switchgear Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium voltage switchgear interlocking systems are limited in their ability to maintain an active interlocking function over a range of actuator travel, with the shift point from unlocked to locked being fixed, leading to insecure situations when the actuator stops at unintended positions due to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rotatable force flux element within the mechanical coupling element allows for the flexible selection of the shift point where the interlocking function changes from active to inactive, enabling the interlocking device to remain active along the actuator travel between the lower end position and the middle position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rod is fixed to the actuator and directly connected to the interlocking device, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the interlocking function can only work when the rod directly touches the interlocking device, limiting the range of actuator travel where interlocking is active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable force flux element that can rotate during actuator operation, transforming the fixed-connection limitation into a dynamic solution. This element rotates to maintain force transmission between the actuator and interlocking device even when the rod does not directly touch the interlocking device, enabling the interlocking function to remain active over a broader range of actuator travel positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The force flux element acts as an intermediary between the rod and the interlocking device. Instead of requiring direct contact, this intermediate element transmits the mechanical force from the actuator to the interlocking device through rotation, allowing the interlocking function to work effectively over an extended range of actuator positions.
2Device complexity
If the interlocking shift point is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the system becomes insecure when the actuator stops at unintended mid positions due to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable force flux element enables dynamic adjustment of the effective interlocking range. By rotating to different positions, it allows the interlocking function to remain active over a broader range of actuator travel, including mid positions that would otherwise be insecure with a fixed shift point configuration.
3Device complexity
If the rod directly connects actuator to interlocking device, then the mechanical coupling is simple, but the interlocking function cannot be maintained over a range of actuator travel
Solution Approach 1:
The force flux element introduces rotational movement to the mechanical coupling, allowing it to maintain force transmission over a range of actuator positions rather than requiring a fixed direct connection. This dynamic element extends the duration and range of the interlocking function's effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The force flux element serves as a mechanical intermediary that bridges the gap between the rod and interlocking device when direct contact is not present. Through its rotational capability, it maintains the mechanical coupling and force transmission necessary for interlocking function over an extended travel range.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments relate to a medium voltage switchgear with interlocking device associated with an actuator drive, which operates a switching element via a mechanical coupling element. The switching drive is movable in two end positions until which the interlocking is active between a freely selectable middle position and a specified end position. In order to keep the interlocking active over a certain range of the actuator travel, the mechanical coupling element includes a force flux element that is rotatable during operation of the drive from OFF to ON. In this way, the region where the interlocking shifts from unlocked to locked can freely be chosen by the shape of the force flux element.