Switchgear Layered Plate Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switchgear with electromagnetic drive faces issues of high cost, space constraints, and prolonged chattering time due to repetitive contact between electrodes, which can lead to electrode welding and increased product costs.
Innovation Solution
A switchgear apparatus with a layered plate structure for the fixing plane that absorbs impact energy through friction, reducing chattering time and allowing for compact design without the need for additional space or expensive dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If expensive dampers are placed in the operating mechanism to mitigate impact, then the striking force is reduced and high-speed responsivity is secured, but product costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive dampers with a simple, inexpensive layered plate structure that absorbs impact energy through friction between layers. The plates are made of ordinary materials and can be easily manufactured, eliminating the need for costly specialized damping components while still effectively reducing striking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and arrangement of the supporting structure from a single rigid plate to multiple layered plates with friction interfaces. This parameter change enables energy dissipation through friction between layers, transforming the mechanical support structure into an impact-mitigating system without requiring expensive specialized components.
2Force
If two open/close units are placed in series to counterbalance striking force, then damage to supporting members is prevented and circuit interruption is improved, but it becomes difficult to place the units without providing sufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the impact mitigation function with the existing single open/close unit structure. Instead of requiring two separate units in series, the layered plate structure is integrated into the supporting mechanism of a single unit, combining structural support with impact absorption in one compact assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a spatial solution (two units in series along the electrical circuit path) to a structural solution (layered plates stacked in the vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows impact mitigation to be achieved within the same footprint, eliminating the need for additional horizontal or circuit-path space.
3Speed
If the movable electrode collides against the fixed electrode at high speed, then the close operation is performed quickly, but a large striking force is produced causing chattering and potential electrode welding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful impact energy from high-speed electrode collision into useful friction between the layered plates. The kinetic energy that would otherwise cause chattering and welding is transformed into heat through friction between plate layers, effectively dissipating the harmful energy while maintaining the high-speed operation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The layered plate structure serves as an intermediary energy-absorbing mechanism between the electromagnetic driving force and the electrode collision. The friction between plates acts as a mediator that gradually dissipates impact energy, preventing direct transmission of shock forces to the electrodes while allowing high-speed operation to proceed.
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 layered plate structure effectively shortens chattering time by consuming kinetic energy through friction, enabling high-reliability, cost-effective, and space-saving switchgear operation.
Implementation Method 1
the layered plates are rubbed against each other; because of this, kinetic energy due to the friction is consumed
Data Source
AI summary
A switchgear apparatus is provided in which an impact induced by a close operation is mitigated, featuring space saving and high reliability with low costs.The switchgear apparatus includes a switching unit 3 that is composed of a fixed electrode 1 and a movable electrode 2; a movable shaft 4 that is extended from the movable electrode 2; an operating mechanism 5 that produces driving force and transfers the driving force to the movable shaft 4; a switching-unit holder 6 that holds the switching unit 3 and the movable shaft 4 thereinside; and a holder supporting unit 7 that has a fixing plane so as to fix the switching-unit holder 6 thereonto. The switchgear apparatus is arranged in such a manner that the holder supporting unit 7 serving as the fixing plane is constituted of a plurality of plates layered in the axial direction along the movable shaft 4. In a case of the close operation, because kinetic energy in the overall system is consumed by the friction generated between the layered plates owing to distortion of the layered plates, energy that allows the movable electrode 2 to bounce back and forth is lowered, so that it is possible to shorten a chattering time.