Switch Control Mechanism Disengagement for Immediate Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms for controlling the closing and opening of current breaking devices in electrical switch devices, especially at medium or high voltage, face challenges in immediate reopening during faults, which can lead to slow opening and potential damage due to the cocking lever being engaged, disrupting the operation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism that includes a cocking shaft, spiral springs, a cocking wheel, a closing wheel, and a disengagement means where the engagement pawl transitions from a first to a second position under the rotation of the closing wheel, disengaging the arming lever from the arming wheel, allowing for immediate opening without operator interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cocking lever remains engaged during the reopening phase, then the operator can control the closing phase, but the opening speed is slowed down and the current cut-off device is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control during closing phaseVSAvoidopening speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement pawl is divided into two distinct functional positions: a first position for engaging the cocking wheel during the closing phase, and a second position for disengaging during the reopening phase. This segmentation allows the system to switch between operator control and rapid automatic opening without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement pawl transitions dynamically between two positions based on the operational phase. During closing, it engages to transmit operator force; during reopening, it disengages to allow unrestricted rotation of the cocking wheel. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between controlled operation and rapid response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the cocking lever is disengaged immediately after arming, then the opening speed is maximized, but the operator loses control during the closing phase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening speedVSAvoidoperator control during closing phase

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement pawl is pre-configured in the first position during the closing phase to enable operator control. Only after the closing operation completes does it transition to the second position for rapid opening. This preliminary positioning ensures control is available when needed without compromising subsequent speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement pawl operates periodically, engaging during closing operations and disengaging during reopening operations. This periodic switching between states allows the system to optimize for control during one phase and speed during the other, resolving the contradiction through temporal separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the mechanism allows immediate reopening after arming, then the reliability during faults is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional disengagement means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate reopening capability during faultsVSAvoiddisengagement mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disengagement function is merged with the existing engagement pawl structure. The same pawl that engages the cocking wheel during closing also serves to disengage during reopening by transitioning to a second position. This combining of functions adds minimal complexity while achieving the reliability goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement pawl is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to engage the cocking wheel during closing operations and to disengage during reopening operations. This universal component performs multiple critical functions without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures safe and immediate reopening of the current breaking device by disengaging the arming lever, preventing damage and ensuring swift operation during faults, enhancing the reliability of high-voltage electrical switch devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first and a second spiral spring each comprising a central end secured to the cocking shaft, and a peripheral end; a first rotary member, called cocking wheel, fixed to the cocking shaft, the peripheral end of the first spring being fixed to the frame, the release of this spring from a compressed state causes the wheel to rotate arming

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3657522B1Mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of a current interruption device for an electrical switch

Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a control mechanism (100) for opening and closing a power interruption device. In particular, the mechanism comprises two springs designed to rotate, respectively, a closing and opening wheel when released from a compressed state. The mechanism thus involves winding the two springs during a winding phase via a winding lever, which automatically disengages during a closing phase executed by rotating the closing wheel, using only the mechanical energy accumulated by the spring coupled to said wheel.