Switch Lock Mechanism Preventing Mode Mis-Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic transfer switches can experience mis-operation between different modes, leading to safety accidents, necessitating a lock mechanism that disables electrical operation in manual mode and both operations in service mode.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism that includes a handle, mode button, slider, and lever, where the lever can be rotated to pass a pin through a slot, preventing mode button movement and securing the handle in position, with signal generators to indicate the service mode and a torsion spring for automatic locking, and pressure springs for easy handle release and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent mis-operation between modes, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated lock mechanism that can perform different locking actions based on the operational mode. The same mechanism structure handles both manual mode locking (disabling electrical operation) and service mode locking (disabling both electrical and manual operations), thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, changing its locking behavior based on the operational mode selected. In manual mode, it selectively locks electrical operation controls while leaving manual controls accessible. In service mode, it transitions to a more restrictive state that locks both electrical and manual controls. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high reliability across different operational contexts without requiring separate fixed locking mechanisms for each mode.
2Reliability
If the lock mechanism disables electrical operation in manual mode, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically applying the appropriate locking behavior based on the operational mode that has been selected. When manual mode is chosen, the lock mechanism automatically disables electrical operation controls without requiring the operator to manually engage additional locks. This preliminary automatic locking action ensures safety while maintaining ease of operation, as the operator only needs to select the mode rather than perform separate locking steps.
3Reliability
If the lever and pin mechanism is used to lock the mode button, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever and pin mechanism is designed as a universal locking component that serves multiple functions within the same structural framework. The same lever and pin assembly is used to lock the mode button in different operational modes, and the same mechanism works together with the handle locking system. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability through consistent mechanical locking while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from having separate locking mechanisms for different components.
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
Effectively prevents mis-operation between modes by securely locking the handle and mode button in service mode, ensuring safety by disabling both electrical and manual operations, while allowing easy and cost-effective locking and release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring coupled to the lever and operable to apply a torsional force against an opening of the lever
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure spring coupled to the rod and operable to apply an elastic force to the rod in a positive second direction
Implementation Method 3
a second pressure spring arranged in the first direction, with one end coupled to the mode button and the other end coupled to the frame, wherein when the mode button is set the manual position, the second pressure spring is operable to apply an elastic force to the mode button in the negative first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~4C
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide an apparatus for use in a switch. The apparatus includes: a handle including a first slot; a mode button operable to change an operation mode of the switch, the mode button including a second slot; a slider coupled to the mode button and movable in a first direction in association with a movement of the mode button, the slider including a first block; a lever operable to be opened in a rotatable manner and including a pin, wherein when the mode button is set at a service position, the first block is received in the first slot to maintain the handle; and in response to the lever being opened in the rotatable manner, the pin is operable to pass through the second slot to prevent the movement of the mode button. Such apparatus herein provides a lock mechanism that may prevent mistake operation between different operation modes