Switch Operating Mechanism With Dual-Spring Contact Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices in low-voltage electrical appliances are limited by a small disconnection distance between moving and static contacts, which hinders improvements in electrical performance.
Innovation Solution
An operating mechanism with an energy storage structure involving a transmission plate and two spring sets, where the first spring stores and releases energy to increase the rotation angle of the output shaft, and the second spring assists in the opening process, thereby enhancing the disconnection distance between the moving and static contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional operating mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the disconnection distance between moving and static contacts is small
Solution Approach 1:
The operating mechanism is divided into multiple functional modules: operating shaft, transmission shaft structure, transmission plate, first energy storage structure (energy storage turntable + first spring), output shaft structure, and second energy storage structure (second spring set). Each module performs a specific function in the sequence of operations, allowing the system to achieve large disconnection distance through coordinated action of segmented components rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The first spring is pre-compressed during the closing process, storing elastic potential energy before the opening operation begins. When the operating shaft rotates during opening, this pre-stored energy is released to drive the energy storage turntable and amplify the rotation angle of the output shaft, achieving larger disconnection distance without requiring proportionally larger mechanical dimensions
Solution Approach 3:
The mechanism employs periodic energy storage and release cycles through the first spring and second spring set. During closing, springs are compressed (energy storage); during opening, springs expand (energy release). This periodic action creates a dynamic amplification effect that increases the output shaft rotation angle and consequently the disconnection distance between contacts
2Reliability
If the disconnection distance is increased, then the electrical performance is improved, but the physical dimensions of the device must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from static mechanical linkage to dynamic energy-based actuation. The first spring and second spring set provide dynamic force multiplication during the opening process, allowing the output shaft to achieve larger rotation angles within the same physical envelope. The energy storage and release creates a dynamic amplification effect that decouples the relationship between device volume and disconnection distance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the operational parameters of the output shaft by utilizing elastic potential energy from the spring structures. The first spring increases the rotation angle parameter through energy release, while the second spring extends the duration and magnitude of the opening action. These parameter changes allow larger disconnection distance without proportional increase in physical dimensions
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 mechanism significantly increases the opening distance between the moving and static contacts, improving the electrical performance of the switching device.
Implementation Method 1
the first spring is driven by the energy storage turntable to store energy first and then release energy, and the first spring releases energy to drive the energy storage turntable to rotate
Implementation Method 2
the transmission plate and the output shaft structure cooperate to make the second spring set store energy first and then release energy; and the second spring set releases energy and drives the output shaft structure to rotate to the output shaft breaking position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of low-voltage electric appliances, in particular to an operating mechanism and a switching device including the operating mechanism. When the operating mechanism is opened, an operating shaft drives an energy storage turntable and a transmission plate at the same time. The transmission plate moves from a transmission plate closing position to a transmission plate breaking position. The energy storage turntable drives an output shaft structure to rotate from an output shaft closing position to an output shaft breaking position. After a first spring begins to release energy, the energy storage turntable drives the output shaft structure to rotate to a breaking transition position and is disengaged from the output shaft structure after driving the output shaft structure to cross over the breaking transition position. Meanwhile, the output shaft structure is engaged with the transmission plate, such that a second spring set completes energy storage and then begins to release energy. The second spring set releases energy to drive the output shaft structure to rotate to the output shaft breaking position. According to the operating mechanism and the switching device of the present invention, an opening distance of a moving contact and a static contact can be increased significantly.