Switchboard Transformer Position Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing switchboard systems pose a safety risk during maintenance as workers can encounter electric shock due to residual voltage in the transformer chamber, especially when the transformer is moved to a test or operation position without ensuring the ground switch is at the input position, and there is no stabilizer to prevent the transformer door from being opened inadvertently.

Innovation Solution

A transformer position adjustment preventing device that includes a case with a handle insertion unit, a position displaying unit, a rotating member, and a restricting member, which restricts the rotation of the transformer truck to prevent movement when the door is opened, ensuring the transformer remains stable and safe to handle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the transformer door is opened to replace the power fuse, then the maintenance operation can be performed, but the worker is exposed to electric shock danger due to residual voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance operationVSAvoidelectric shock danger

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by automatically detecting when the door is opened and immediately restricting transformer truck movement before the worker can be exposed to residual voltage hazards. The interlocking mechanism activates in advance to prevent any position changes that could create safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary safety mechanism (the position restricting device with door interlocking) that mediates between the door opening action and the transformer truck movement. This intermediary system ensures that position adjustment cannot occur during door-open states, thereby protecting workers from electric shock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transformer truck is allowed to move freely for position adjustment, then the transformer can be moved to test or operation positions, but the transformer position cannot be stabilized when residual voltage is present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adjustmentVSAvoidtransformer position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies dynamics by making the transformer truck position restriction conditional rather than fixed. The restricting member can dynamically change state based on door position - locked when door is open, and unlocked when door is closed, allowing flexible position adjustment only when safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by preemptively restricting transformer truck movement when the door is opened. The system anticipates potential safety hazards and applies counter-action (position restriction) before any dangerous situation can develop, then releases the restriction after door closure confirms safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If no position restriction mechanism is installed, then the device complexity is low, but the safety risk during maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent partially replaces complex mechanical interlocking systems with a more streamlined mechanism that uses door position detection to control a restricting member. This substitution maintains safety functionality while reducing overall structural complexity compared to traditional multi-component interlocking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9595817B2Transformer position adjustment preventing device of switchboard

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 LSIS CO LTD

AI summary

A transformer position adjustment preventing device includes a case having a handle insertion unit formed therein, a position displaying unit disposed in the case and displaying a test position or an operation position of a transformer truck with a transformer seated thereon, a rotating member disposed in the case, connected to the position displaying unit, rotated by the rotation of the position displaying unit to open or close the handle insertion unit, and a restricting member rotated in a direction of the rotating member or an opposite direction of the rotating member according to opening or closing of a door opening and closing the transformer chamber in which the transformer truck is disposed, so as to restrict the rotation of the rotating member or release the restriction state.