Tripping Control System for Switchgear

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical cut-off device control systems are inadequate for reliable automatic switching from a closed to an open position, lacking sufficient mechanical energy and failing to meet safety criteria such as independent operation and high-speed tipping.

Innovation Solution

A trigger control system utilizing two connecting rods with motion inversion and dedicated springs to amplify force and ensure 'trip-free' operation, allowing automatic switching without user intervention, even under external force restraint, and enabling high-speed transitions between open and closed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current control systems are used for automatic switching, then the system structure is simple, but the mechanical energy is insufficient and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of automatic switchingVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent connecting rods: the first connecting rod for manual operation and the second connecting rod for automatic tripping. This segmentation allows each rod to be optimized for its specific function, with the second rod dedicated solely to automatic switching operations, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex new system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first connecting rod acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers motion from the control handle to the second connecting rod. This intermediary structure enables the decoupling of manual control and automatic tripping functions, allowing the automatic switching mechanism to operate independently with sufficient mechanical energy while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If current control systems are used, then the device structure is simple, but the switching speed is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control system into two separate connecting rods with distinct functions, the automatic tripping rod can be designed with optimized dimensions and mechanical properties specifically for high-speed operation, independent of the manual control rod's design constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores mechanical energy in advance through the biasing spring applied to the second connecting rod. When automatic tripping is required, this pre-stored energy is immediately released, enabling high-speed switching without requiring complex real-time energy delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If current control systems are used, then the system is simple, but automatic switching cannot operate independently under external force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence of automatic switchingVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The critical segmentation is between the first connecting rod (manual control) and the second connecting rod (automatic tripping). The second rod is mechanically configured to respond only to its specific trigger mechanism and biasing spring, completely independent of forces applied to the control handle or first rod. This ensures automatic switching can operate independently even when external forces are applied during manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the manual control system attempt to perform automatic tripping functions, the invention inverts the approach by creating a dedicated automatic tripping system (second connecting rod) that operates independently of the manual control path. The automatic system triggers itself through its own mechanism rather than relying on the manual control chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system provides reliable, high-speed, and safe automatic switching of electrical cut-off poles, ensuring safety functions like emergency stop and fault detection can be executed independently of user control, with reduced energy requirements and visual confirmation of triggered states.

Implementation Method 1

the first accumulation mechanism comprises a first spring capable of exerting, after compression, a force on the first connecting rod during its pivoting around the first point of rotation between the first position and the second position of said first connecting rod and vice versa

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the trigger mechanism comprises a second spring capable of exerting, after compression, a force on the first connecting rod during its movement between the second position and the third position when said first connecting rod pivots around the second point of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3221875B1Tripping control system for breaking pole and switchgear
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 SOCOMEC SPA
  • EP3221875B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP3221875B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3221875B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a tripping control system for one or more electric breaking poles, the system comprising: a first link (600) pivoting about a first rotation point (PI) between a first position and a second position, and vice-versa, by the actuation of a control handle (102) of an accumulator mechanism (200); a second link (700) pivoting about an axis of rotation (722) intended for being connected to one or more breaking poles (10), the second link (700) being connected to the first link (600) by a sliding link (710, 613) such that the movement of the first link (600) causes the pivoting of the second link (700) about the axis of rotation (722) between an open position and a closed position of the one or more breaking poles (10) and vice-versa; a tripping mechanism (300) capable of releasing the first rotation point (PI) of the first link (600) and of exerting a force to move the first link (600) next to said first rotation point (PI) so as to move the first link between the second position and the third position when said first link pivots about a second rotation point (P2), the movement of the first link (600) between the second position and the third position causing a pivoting of the second link (700) about the axis of rotation (722) between the closed position of the one or more switch poles and the open position of the one or more switchgears (10).