Spring Driven Ram for Electrical Switching Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching apparatus operating mechanisms require a large number of components, leading to increased size and wear and tear, particularly due to the complex transfer of forces via cams, which enhances wear during operations when components are not in use.
Innovation Solution
A ram assembly is introduced to directly engage and move the toggle assembly, utilizing springs that are biased towards the toggle assembly, reducing the size and force required, and incorporating a rocker arm assembly to charge and discharge the springs independently of the closing assembly, minimizing wear by avoiding violent closing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a complex cam-based mechanism is used to transfer forces from closing springs to the toggle assembly, then the required closing force can be achieved, but the device size increases and wear and tear is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex cam-based force transfer mechanism from the system. Instead of using cams to transfer forces from closing springs to the toggle assembly, the invention directly couples the closing springs to the toggle assembly, removing unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining the required closing force capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the force application function directly into the toggle assembly by having the closing springs directly engage with it. This consolidation eliminates the separate cam-based force transfer system, reducing device complexity while achieving the same closing force objective through a more integrated design
2Force
If multiple components are used in the force transfer mechanism, then the required mechanical advantage is achieved, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cam-based intermediate components from the force transfer path, directly connecting the closing springs to the toggle assembly. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces the overall apparatus size while maintaining the required mechanical advantage through optimized spring-toggle geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor to compress springs that then drive cams to move the toggle, the invention inverts the approach by having the closing springs directly drive the toggle assembly without intermediate cams. This inversion eliminates the need for large cam mechanisms and reduces the overall apparatus volume
3Ease of operation
If the cam-based mechanism is used during closing operations, then the toggle assembly can be moved effectively, but wear and tear on components is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cam-based force transfer mechanism that causes excessive wear during closing operations. By directly coupling the closing springs to the toggle assembly, the invention eliminates the sliding and rolling contact between cams and cam followers that generates wear, thereby improving component durability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of direct spring-toggle coupling (which might seem too simple) into a benefit by eliminating the wear-prone cam mechanisms. The direct coupling approach, while simpler, actually benefits the system by reducing wear and improving reliability, turning a potential oversimplification into a robust solution
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
This configuration reduces the size and wear of components, simplifies the mechanism, and allows for efficient charging and discharging of springs, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the electrical switching apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a spring structured to apply a force to the toggle assembly so as to collapse the toggle assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An operating mechanism closing assembly for an electrical switching apparatus having a ram assembly structured to engage and move a toggle assembly is provided. The ram assembly includes a ram body that travels over a, preferably, straight path and engages the toggle assembly. The path may be defined by one or more pins extending through the ram body. One or more springs are coupled to the ram body and bias the ram body toward the toggle assembly. The springs may be conveniently disposed about the pins. In this configuration, the force created by the springs is, essentially, applied directly to the toggle assembly. The toggle assembly is coupled to, and structured to rotate, a pole shaft that is further coupled to, and structured to actuate, the electrical switching apparatus contacts. Accordingly, because the force created by the springs is not transferred via one or more cams, the required force, and therefore the size of the springs, is reduced compared to the prior art.