Switchgear Task Verification Using Sensor Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchgear maintenance systems lack a reliable mechanism to verify if maintenance tasks are performed correctly, leading to potential safety risks due to human errors.

Innovation Solution

A safety-controlled assistance system incorporating sensors and a processing unit to monitor and determine the correctness of maintenance tasks on switchgear, providing feedback and control operations based on task information and sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trained personnel follow written safety rules, then maintenance tasks can be performed, but human errors occur leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidhuman errors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors switchgear status through sensors and compares it against expected task outcomes, providing real-time feedback to verify correct task execution and alert operators to deviations from safe procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on human memory and manual checklist verification with an automated digital system that uses sensors, processing units, and communication devices to monitor and verify task completion, eliminating human error in safety verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If digital guidance systems are provided to reduce human error, then safety improves, but there is no verification mechanism to determine if tasks are performed correctly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtask completion verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors monitor switchgear status, the processing unit compares actual status against expected outcomes, and the communication device provides verification feedback to confirm correct task execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives data from both the communication device (task information) and sensors (actual status), processes this information, and determines whether tasks have been correctly performed, bridging the gap between guidance and verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If sensors and processing units are added to monitor task correctness, then task verification is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask verification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multi-functional components where sensors serve both operational monitoring and task verification functions, and the processing unit handles both control logic and verification logic, reducing the need for separate dedicated verification hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switchgear system performs self-verification by using its own integrated sensors and processing units to monitor its status and determine whether maintenance tasks have been correctly executed, eliminating the need for external verification equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4583027A1Switchgear safety-controlled assistance system
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4583027A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4583027A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4583027A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a switchgear safety-controlled assistance system, comprising: - a communication device (40); - at least one sensor (20); and - a processing unit (30); wherein the communication device is configured to receive information regarding a task to be performed on a switchgear (10); wherein the communication device is configured to provide the information regarding the task to be performed on the switchgear to the processing unit; wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense data associated with an event and/or status change of the switchgear associated with an operator performing the task and/or having performed the task; wherein the at least one sensor is configured to provide the data associated with the event and/or the status change of the switchgear associated with the operator performing the task and/or having performed the task to the processing unit; and wherein the processing unit is configured to determine whether the task is not being and/or has not been performed correctly, wherein the determination comprises utilization of the information regarding the task to be performed on the switchgear and the data associated with the event and/or the status change of the switchgear associated with the operator performing the task and/or having performed the task.