Switchgear Control Assembly With Guided Sliding Interlock Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchgear modules lack a flexible and reliable control system that can seamlessly transition between switching and interlocking mechanisms, compromising operational efficiency and safety.

Innovation Solution

A multi-use control system for switchgear modules, featuring a first rotating element with a sliding element, a second rotating element with an elongated opening, and an interlocking element, which utilizes a Geneva-like drive mechanism to switch between modes of operation and secure or release the switchgear module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single control system is used for both switching and interlocking mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and operational safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent but coordinated control paths: one for switching mechanisms and another for interlocking mechanisms. Each control path has its own control elements and signal processing routes, allowing separate optimization and control while maintaining overall system integration through the circuit breaker assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate control systems are used for switching and interlocking mechanisms, then control precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system merges the switching and interlocking control functions into a unified circuit breaker assembly. The control elements are integrated such that switching control elements and interlocking control elements share common mounting structures, signal transmission paths, and mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining separate control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for switchgear modules, then ease of operation improves, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual controlVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the status of switching elements and interlocking elements is continuously monitored and reflected in the control interface. This feedback enables operators to make informed manual decisions while also allowing the system to automatically respond to certain conditions, improving operational efficiency without sacrificing manual control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If automated control is implemented, then productivity improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmanual control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing seamless transition between manual and automated control modes. The circuit breaker assembly can operate in manual mode for simple operations, switch to automated mode for complex sequences requiring high productivity, and allow operators to intervene at any point. This dynamic adaptability optimizes both ease of operation and productivity based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 control system enables separate control over switching and interlocking mechanisms, allowing for seamless transitions and enhanced operational flexibility and reliability, ensuring safe and efficient operation of switchgear modules.

Implementation Method 1

The first rotating element, the second rotating element and the operating element may form a switching assembly, which may perform a switching mechanism for the switchgear module, since the second rotating element may further be connected to a main switch of the switchgear module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeneva-like drive mechanism: Geneva Drive

Implementation Method 2

the first rotating element may come into contact or collide with the interlocking element and drive the interlocking element to move and/or rotate, for example to unlock the secured switchgear module inside the compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4498397A1Multi-use control system for switchgear module with guided sliding element
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4498397A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(d)
  • EP4498397A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4498397A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-use control system (100) for a switchgear module (10) being switchable between a plurality of modes of operation, which comprises a first rotating element (110) with a sliding element (115), a second rotating element (120) with an elongated opening (125) and being connectable to the switchgear module and an interlocking element (200) for securing or releasing the switchgear module. The first rotating element is connectable to an operating element (160) being rotatable between a plurality of angular positions comprising a first group of angular positions (161, 162, 163) and a second group of angular positions (163, 164). The the sliding element (115) is configured to interconnect with the elongated opening (125) and transmit a rotational motion between the first and second rotating elements for switching the switchgear module for the first group of angular positions, and to interconnect with and transmit the rotational motion to the interlocking element for releasing the switchgear module for the second group of angular positions.