Electromagnetic Switch Link Mechanism Length Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetically operated switching devices require frequent design changes to accommodate variations in stroke or contact pressure, leading to increased manufacturing costs, larger device sizes, and space limitations, as well as the need for replacing driving levers due to changes in link ratios.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetically operated switching device with a link mechanism that allows for regulation of the spring retaining plate's length in a rectangular direction relative to the operational center axis, enabling adjustments in link ratio without altering the arrangement of electromagnetically operated mechanisms, thereby accommodating design changes in stroke or contact pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number or position of electromagnetically operated mechanisms is changed to accommodate design changes in stroke or contact pressure, then the switching device can be adapted to different specifications, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device size becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to design changesVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring retaining plate is designed with a regulatable length in the rectangular direction, allowing the link mechanism to be dynamically adjusted for different link ratios without changing the number or position of electromagnetically operated mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to various stroke and contact pressure specifications while maintaining a consistent device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter (length) of the spring retaining plate to achieve different link ratios. By regulating the length of the spring retaining plate in the rectangular direction, the system can accommodate design changes in stroke or contact pressure through parameter adjustment rather than structural reconfiguration, thereby avoiding increased device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the link ratio is changed by replacing the driving lever, then the switching device can accommodate design changes in stroke or contact pressure, but the manufacturing cost increases and maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to design changesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring retaining plate is designed as a regulatable component that can be adjusted in length to achieve different link ratios. This eliminates the need to replace the entire driving lever assembly when link ratio changes are required, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying maintenance procedures while maintaining full adaptability to design specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link mechanism is segmented into adjustable components, specifically the spring retaining plate, which can be independently regulated. This segmentation allows the link ratio to be changed by adjusting only the necessary component rather than replacing the entire driving lever, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the arrangement of electromagnetically operated mechanisms is changed to accommodate design changes, then the switching device can be adapted to different specifications, but the space requirement for installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to design changesVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention achieves adaptability to different specifications by changing the length parameter of the spring retaining plate rather than repositioning the electromagnetically operated mechanisms. This approach allows the mechanisms to remain in fixed positions, thereby maintaining a constant installation footprint while still accommodating various stroke and contact pressure requirements through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution allows for the regulation of the total link mechanism length without changing the electromagnetically operated mechanism's configuration or attachment position, facilitating design changes while promoting shared use of mechanisms and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a contact-pressure spring (8) which is disposed around the driving rod (7) and which applies a contact pressure necessary to the main circuit contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetically operated mechanisms (1) for opening/closing a main circuit contact of a switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS8754730B2Electromagnetically operated switching device

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An electromagnetically operated switching device according to the present invention includes a pair of electromagnetically operated mechanisms for driving a main circuit contact of a switch via a link mechanism symmetrically arranged with respect to an operational center axis, and a length of a spring retaining plate can be regulated in accordance with a change of a link ratio, which is caused by a design change of the main circuit contact.