Switchgear Interlock Circuit Prevents Simultaneous Coil Energization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circuit breakers face issues with complexity and reliability due to simultaneous energization of opening and closing coils, leading to ineffective protective operations, as they lack a mechanism to prevent simultaneous energization of both coils.

Innovation Solution

The proposed switchgear incorporates a closing coil, opening coil, capacitors, and control sections with interlock circuits to ensure that either the opening or closing operation is blocked based on the status of the second opening control section, preventing simultaneous energization of both coils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two sets of capacitors and control sections are provided in parallel to control opening and closing coils independently, then the reliability of individual control is improved, but the risk of simultaneous energization increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of opening and closing operations into a unified control section that manages both the first and second opening capacitors and coils, as well as the closing capacitor and coil. This integration eliminates the need for completely independent control systems while maintaining reliable operation through coordinated control logic that prevents simultaneous energization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an interlock mechanism as an intermediary between the control section and the opening/closing coils. This interlock acts as a mediator that receives control signals and ensures proper sequencing by blocking simultaneous activation, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring fully independent control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If both opening and closing coils are energized at the same time, then the electromagnetic operating device may fail to perform predetermined operations, but preventing simultaneous energization requires additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control section performs preliminary assessment of the operational state before energizing either opening or closing coils. It checks the current position and operational status, and only permits energization of the appropriate coil based on this preliminary evaluation, thereby preventing simultaneous energization without complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control section continuously monitors the state of the electromagnetic operating device and adjusts its control signals accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that when one coil is energized, the other remains blocked, maintaining operational reliability through dynamic state monitoring and response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 configuration ensures reliable operation by preventing simultaneous energization of opening and closing coils, thereby ensuring proper functioning of the switchgear and enhancing its protective capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a closing coil that drives a movable element to the close contact side of the switchgear in an electromagnetic operating device; an opening coil that drives the movable element to the open contact side of the switchgear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a closing capacitor that supplies electrical energy to the closing coil; an opening capacitor that supplies electrical energy to the opening coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10510473B2Switchgear
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US10510473B2 patent drawing
  • US10510473B2 patent drawing
  • US10510473B2 patent drawing

AI summary

For the purpose of obtaining a switchgear that can perform a reliable operation, the switchgear includes: opening and closing coils that drive a movable element, opening and closing capacitors that supply energy to the coils, opening and closing control sections that perform control of charging the capacitors and of energizing the coils, an opening coil that drives the movable element to the open side, an opening capacitor frat supplies energy to the coil, a second opening control section that performs control of charging the opening capacitor and of energizing the opening coil, and an interlock circuit that energizes the second opening control section; and a signal showing that the second opening control section is in operation is supplied to an interlock circuit.