Switch Operating Mechanism With Dead-Center Spring Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disconnect switches have slow operation speeds for break-contact and make-contact, leading to potential fusion welding between contacts and a complex, high-operating-force structure.
Innovation Solution
An operating mechanism with a transmission shaft, cam, and energy-storage spring, where the cam rotates to store energy at a dead-center position, releasing energy to drive the transmission shaft through a first angle φ1>0°, enhancing the rotation speed and reducing operating force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the operating mechanism uses a traditional structure, then the structure is simple, but the operation speed of break-contact and make-contact is slow causing fusion welding between contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using an energy-storage spring that is dynamically compressed during the breaking process and then releases energy to accelerate the make-contact process. The spring transitions from a static component to an active dynamic element that stores and releases energy, enabling fast make-contact operation speed and preventing fusion welding between contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by compressing the energy-storage spring during the breaking operation. This preliminary compression stores energy that will be released later to accelerate the make-contact process, ensuring that the contacts close quickly enough to prevent fusion welding.
2Ease of operation
If the operating mechanism uses a traditional structure, then the structure is simple, but the structure is complex and the operating force is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the energy-storage spring to provide part of the driving force for the make-contact operation. The spring automatically releases its stored energy to assist in closing the contacts, reducing the external operating force needed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the energy-storage spring. The spring's stiffness and energy storage capacity are optimized to provide the necessary driving force during make-contact, reducing the required operating force while keeping the structure simple through careful selection of spring parameters.
3Speed
If the cam rotates directly to drive the transmission shaft, then the structure is simple, but the rotation speed is insufficient reducing current-carrying capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using the energy-storage spring to dynamically accelerate the cam and transmission shaft during the make-contact process. The spring's rapid energy release creates a dynamic boost in rotation speed, ensuring the contacts close quickly enough to maintain current-carrying capacity and prevent fusion welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by compressing the energy-storage spring during the breaking phase. This preliminary compression stores energy that is then released to rapidly accelerate the transmission shaft and cam, achieving the high rotation speed necessary for maintaining current-carrying capacity during make-contact.
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 increases the operation speed of break-contact and make-contact, improving the current-carrying capacity and reducing the risk of contact fusion while simplifying the structure and reducing operating force.
Implementation Method 1
the cam rotating to enable the energy-storage spring to store energy, the energy-storage spring storing energy to a maximum value at the time of the cam rotating to a dead-center position, and the energy-storage spring releasing energy to drive the cam to rotate
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances, in particular to an operating mechanism of a switch apparatus, a transmission shaft, a cam and an operating shaft are rotationally arranged, respectively, the operating shaft drivingly cooperates with the cam to drive it to rotate, and an energy-storage spring cooperates with the cam; the cam rotates to enable the energy-storage spring to store energy, the energy-storage spring stores energy to a maximum value when the cam rotates to a dead-center position, and the energy-storage spring releases energy to drive the cam to rotate after the cam rotates to pass through the dead-center position; the transmission shaft drivingly cooperates with the cam and is used to output a driving force to a moving contact structure of the switch apparatus, so as to enable the switch apparatus to make contact or break contact; a rotational allowance is set between the cam and the transmission shaft, so that the transmission shaft remains stationary in a process of the cam rotating to the dead-center position; after the cam rotates to the dead-center position, it continues to rotate through the first angle ϕ1, so as to contact with the transmission shaft to drive it to rotate, wherein the first angle ϕ1>0°; the operating mechanism has simple structure and fast operation speed of break-contact and make-contact. The present invention also provides a switch apparatus comprising the operating mechanism having fast operation speed of break-contact and make-contact and high current-carrying capacity.