Substation Switch Control System with Dynamic Track Kinetics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High voltage circuit breakers in substation control systems face issues with unreliable connections between drive systems and circuit breakers, constant displacement ratios limiting optimization, and rebound effects during closing operations.

Innovation Solution

A control system with angularly oriented tracks to control the kinetics of opening and closing, allowing variable displacement ratios and suppressing rebound effects by optimizing terminal velocity, using a configuration with a control arm, connecting arms, and sliding elements with tracks to manage the movement of circuit breakers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotational cam is used to provide variable displacement ratio, then the displacement ratio can be optimized, but the closing speed cannot be sufficiently increased and rebound effect persists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement ratioVSAvoidclosing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the track's angular orientation variable rather than fixed. The track is configured to rotate about a pivot point during the closing operation, allowing the angle between the track and control arm to change dynamically. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to achieve both variable displacement ratio and high closing speed, resolving the contradiction by allowing the geometry to adapt in real-time during operation rather than being static like a rotational cam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a constant ratio configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the opening and closing operation cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidoptimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic track orientation mechanism that rotates during operation, providing variable displacement ratio without requiring a complex rotational cam structure. This dynamic approach achieves optimization capability while maintaining relatively simple structural elements (track, pivot point, connecting arms), thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and optimization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the control system uses traditional connecting arms, then the connection is straightforward, but the connection reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection mechanismVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances connection reliability by implementing a dynamic track mechanism that actively controls the motion trajectory of the connecting arm throughout the entire operating range. The rotating track ensures optimal force transmission angles and maintains reliable connection between the control arm and circuit breaker, avoiding the reliability issues of traditional rigid connecting arms while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3547341B1Control system for a switch and a substation comprising such a control system
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP3547341B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3547341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3547341B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control system (1) for at least a first switch. The control system (1) comprises a a control arm (10) mounted for displacement between a first and a second position in first direction (19), the control arm (10) comprising a first end (11) configured to be connected to a drive system and a second end (12) opposite the first end (11) and a first connecting arm (20) mounted for displacement along a second direction (29) that traverses the first direction (19), the first connecting arm (20) comprising a first end (21) for connection to the first switch and a second end (22) opposite to the first end. The control system further comprises at least a first sliding element (30) comprising a first track (31) and mounted for displacement in one of the first and the second directions (19, 29). The second end (12, 22) of the one of the control arm (10) or the first connecting arm (20) which is displaceable in the same direction as the first sliding element (30), is configured to engage with the first track (31) and is constrained for movement in same direction as the first sliding element (30). The second end (22, 12) of the other of the control arm (10) and the first connecting arm (20) is arranged to move integrally with the first sliding element (30).