Spring-Loaded Drive Rectifier Circuit for High-Voltage Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage circuit breakers require different motor variants for DC and AC voltage operations, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the risk of motor damage from excessive power conversion when using rectified AC voltage.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded drive with a tensioning motor that includes a rectifier circuit with a single diode connected in series, which suppresses one half-wave of AC voltage, allowing the motor to operate safely with both DC and AC voltages, reducing power input and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shunt-wound motor is used for DC voltage operation, then the motor can operate reliably with DC voltage, but it cannot be used for AC voltage operation without additional rectifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single shunt-wound motor that can operate with both DC voltage and AC voltage (with rectification). The motor is equipped with a commutator and brush assembly that enables it to function as a universal motor, allowing it to be used in multiple voltage environments without requiring completely different motor designs for DC and AC applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor's electrical characteristics adaptable through the commutator and brush assembly, which dynamically switches current direction in the armature windings. This dynamic switching capability allows the motor to operate effectively with both DC and rectified AC voltage inputs, providing voltage adaptability without requiring separate motor variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two-pulse bridge rectifier is used to convert AC voltage for motor operation, then AC voltage can be converted to DC voltage, but four times the power is converted in the motor compared to DC operation which can damage the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the rectifier circuit configuration from a two-pulse bridge rectifier to a full-wave center-tapped rectifier with a single diode. This changes the voltage waveform parameters delivered to the motor, ensuring that the RMS voltage and power delivered to the motor remain consistent between DC and AC operating modes, preventing motor damage from excessive power conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary component in the AC voltage path. The transformer steps down the AC voltage to the appropriate level before rectification, and its center-tapped secondary winding works with a single diode to create a full-wave rectified output that matches the power characteristics of DC operation. This intermediary transformation ensures proper power levels are delivered to the motor in both operating modes.
3Reliability
If different motor variants are used for DC and AC voltage supplies, then each motor can be optimized for its specific voltage type, but costs increase and construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single shunt-wound motor with a commutator and brush assembly that can operate reliably with both DC voltage and rectified AC voltage. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture and stock separate motor variants for different voltage types, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying construction while maintaining operational reliability through the adaptive commutator 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
Enables the use of a single motor variant for both DC and AC voltages, reducing costs and simplifying the design, while ensuring motor reliability through effective power management and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
At least one rectifier circuit is provided in the stored-energy mechanism, which is formed by precisely one diode connected in series with the tensioning motor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring-loaded drive for a high-voltage power switch and to a method for operating the spring-loaded drive, wherein the spring-loaded drive comprises at least one spring and at least one clamping motor (1) for the at least one spring. The spring-loaded drive comprises at least one rectifier circuit (4), which is formed by precisely one diode (5) connected in series to the clamping motor (1).