Selective Pulley Engagement in Switch Manipulators to Save Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas-insulated switches require multiple manipulators with high-power motors to drive multiple pulleys, leading to increased space requirements for installation.

Innovation Solution

A switch design that includes a single manipulator with a motor, drive pulleys, and a controller to selectively engage individual pulleys, eliminating the need for high-power motors and reducing the space needed for installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single manipulator with high-power motor is used to drive multiple pulleys simultaneously, then the number of manipulators is reduced, but the motor power and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of manipulatorsVSAvoidmotor power
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the drive function by providing multiple drive pulleys (first, second, third drive pulleys) that can be selectively engaged with the motor output shaft. Each drive pulley corresponds to a specific switching element, allowing the motor to drive only one pulley at a time rather than all simultaneously, thus reducing the required motor power while maintaining the ability to control multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic engagement and disengagement of drive pulleys with the motor output shaft through engagement/disengagement elements. This dynamic configuration allows the motor to selectively connect to different drive pulleys based on which switching element needs actuation, enabling a single lower-power motor to replace multiple high-power motors while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If multiple manipulators are installed one for each disconnector and grounding switch, then each manipulator can be low-power, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor powerVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple manipulator functions into a single manipulator by providing multiple drive pulleys that share a common motor output shaft. These drive pulleys are arranged in a compact configuration where they can be selectively engaged with the motor shaft, combining the functions of what would traditionally require separate manipulators into one integrated unit, thus reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor in the single manipulator is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively engaging with different drive pulleys. The motor serves as a universal drive source that can actuate any of the switching elements (disconnectors or grounding switches) by engaging the corresponding drive pulley, replacing the need for dedicated individual manipulators for each switching element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If a single manipulator drives multiple pulleys simultaneously, then space is reduced, but the motor must be high-power to handle all loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement/disengagement elements act as intermediaries between the motor output shaft and the multiple drive pulleys. These elements selectively connect or disconnect the motor shaft from specific drive pulleys based on control signals, enabling a single motor to control multiple switching elements without requiring simultaneous high-power output to all pulleys, thus reducing motor power requirements while maintaining compact space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design reduces the space required for manipulator installation by avoiding the need for high-power motors to simultaneously drive multiple pulleys, thereby optimizing space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

a motor; a plurality of drive pulleys installed on an output shaft of the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A wire, configured to transmit torque of the motor, is stretched around each of the drive pulleys and corresponding one of the driven pulleys

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4506975B1Opening/closing device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4506975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4506975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4506975B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A switch includes: a circuit breaker; a disconnector; a grounding switch; and a manipulator that drives the disconnector and the grounding switch. The manipulator includes: a motor; a plurality of drive pulleys (33) installed on an output shaft of the motor; and a controller that controls rotation of the motor. Each of the disconnector and the grounding switch includes a switching manipulator that performs a switching action according to rotation of a driven pulley. A wire (4) for transmitting torque of the motor is stretched around each of the drive pulleys (33) and corresponding one of the driven pulleys. Each of the plurality of drive pulleys (33) includes: a mover (332) having a catch (334) that engages with the output shaft (32); and a chuck (331) having a mover (332) and a driver, the catch (334) being engaged with the output shaft (32) in the engaged state, and being out of contact with the output shaft (32) in the disengaged state. The controller exclusively brings one of the plurality of drive pulleys (33) into the engaged state.