Switch-Disconnector Cam and Spring Layout for Semi-Independent Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simpler and cost-effective switch-disconnector with semi-independent operation for interrupting current conduction paths, which can be quickly assembled and manufactured with reduced complexity and resources compared to existing disconnectors.
Innovation Solution
A switch-disconnector design featuring a resilient biasing member, such as springs, arranged equidistant along a moveable bridge contact, allowing for controlled make and break operations with reduced user input, and a cam follower mechanism that directly actuates the bridge contact in an axial direction, eliminating the need for additional mechanisms and facilitating a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a manual dependent operation is used where switching speed is controlled by user input, then the operation is simple and cost-effective, but the switching speed and reliability are reduced due to user dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements semi-independent operation where the bridge contact automatically returns to the closed position without user input after being opened. The biasing member provides self-service by automatically restoring the contact to its operational position, eliminating the need for user-controlled closing operation while maintaining simple manual opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a biasing member that dynamically controls the bridge contact movement. The spring-loaded mechanism provides continuous force to maintain the contact in the closed position and automatically restores it after opening, creating a dynamic system that transitions from fully manual to semi-independent operation.
2Reliability
If a resilient biasing member with multiple springs is used to improve stability and control, then the reliability of semi-independent operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the biasing function into multiple separate springs arranged equidistantly along the bridge contact. Each spring independently contributes to the overall biasing force, allowing the system to achieve greater reliability and stability through distributed support points rather than relying on a single complex spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple simple spring elements into a unified biasing system that works together to provide stable semi-independent operation. By merging several identical or similar spring components along the bridge contact, the system achieves enhanced reliability without requiring complex individual spring designs.
3Reliability
If the first and second fixed contacts are arranged between the cam follower and the moveable bridge contact, then a controlled break operation is achieved, but the make operation speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contact arrangement into fixed contacts positioned between the cam follower and moveable bridge contact. This segmentation allows the break operation to be controlled by the cam follower disengaging from the fixed contacts, while the make operation benefits from the bridge contact being directly urged by the biasing member toward the fixed contacts, enabling faster closing.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simpler switch disconnector design is used to reduce manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing cost and assembly time are reduced, but the protection against accidental operation is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the fixed contacts between the cam follower and moveable bridge contact. This arrangement requires deliberate cam follower movement to initiate bridge contact separation, creating a built-in prevention mechanism against accidental operation while maintaining a simple overall design that is cost-effective to manufacture.
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 solution provides a stable, reliable, and efficient semi-independent operation with improved control over the make and break processes, preventing accidental operation and reducing manufacturing costs and resource usage, while allowing for rapid electrical connections and disconnections.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member comprises a spring which is configured to compress as the moveable bridge contact is urged in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
the biasing member is resiliently deformable
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A disconnector for electrical disconnection or isolation is provided. The disconnector comprises a switch and an actuating mechanism. The switch comprises a first, fixed, contact terminal of a first conductor, a second, fixed, contact terminal of a second conductor, and a moveable bridge contact moveable between a first position and a second position. The actuating mechanism comprises: a cam follower comprising a following surface; an urging member comprising a cam surface, wherein the urging member is rotatable around an axial direction relative to the cam follower, and wherein at least one of the following surface and the cam surface comprises an angled portion, the angled portion angled with respect to the axial direction such that rotation of the urging member urges the cam follower in the axial direction, wherein the cam follower is configured to move the moveable bridge contact from the first position to the second position in response to the urging; and a biasing member configured to exert a force on the moveable bridge contact to oppose the movement of the moveable bridge contact in the axial direction.