Spring-Cushioned Bridge for Fused Switch Handle Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for remotely actuating electrical switch handles risk damage when encountering fused contacts, leading to incorrect operational status indications and unsafe handling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mechanical bridge mechanism, comprising a first and second part connected by a spring, which prevents excessive force application and stores energy to safely manage fused contacts, ensuring the handle is moved to a safe position and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor drive is used to remotely actuate the electrical switch handle, then remote control capability is achieved, but the risk of damage to the motor drive or switch mechanism increases when contacts are fused
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is introduced into the transmission mechanism between the motor drive and the handle. This spring acts as a cushioning element that can be compressed when the handle encounters blocked movement due to fused contacts, preventing excessive forces from damaging the motor drive or switch mechanism while maintaining remote control capability.
2Productivity
If the handle is forced to the OFF position, then switching operation is achieved, but incorrect operational status indication occurs when contacts are fused
Solution Approach 1:
A detection device is implemented that monitors whether the handle has successfully reached the OFF position by detecting the actual position or movement status. This feedback mechanism provides accurate operational status information to the control system, preventing incorrect indications even when contacts are fused and the handle cannot fully reach the OFF position.
3Force
If excessive force is applied to move the handle, then switching action is achieved, but damage to the switch mechanism or motor drive occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is positioned in the force transmission path between the motor drive and the handle. When the handle encounters resistance from fused contacts, the spring compresses to absorb excess force, preventing damage to the switch mechanism or motor drive while still providing sufficient force for normal switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant or stiffness of the spring element is carefully selected to provide appropriate force characteristics. The spring allows normal switching forces to be transmitted effectively while compressing under excessive force conditions to protect the system, dynamically adjusting the force transmission based on operational conditions.
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 device prevents motor drive damage and accurately indicates the operational status of fused contacts, allowing for safe handling and fault correction.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge is formed in two parts with a first part and a second part, which are movable along the fixed axis, the first part of the bridge is operatively connected to the arm and the second part is held by a spring on the first part
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for actuating the handle of an electrical switch with electrical contacts is disclosed. The device comprises an arm for actuating the handle of the electrical switch, which is operatively connected to a mechanical bridge capable of linear movement along a fixed axis. The bridge is formed in two parts, a first part and a second part, and these two parts are movable along the fixed axis. The first part of the bridge is operatively connected to the arm, and the second part is held against the first part by a spring. The second part of the bridge is driven along the fixed axis by a mechanism.