Current Switching Control Mechanism With Spring-Cushioned Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium-voltage current switching devices face mechanical wear and reduced service life due to high mechanical forces during contact movement, leading to inefficient arc suppression and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A control mechanism featuring an arming lever, arming shaft, elastic members, and a retaining end stop that reduces mechanical stress by transferring energy efficiently through spiral springs and pawls, allowing smooth contact movement without mechanical impacts, thereby enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If springs are used to supply energy for moving mobile contacts quickly, then the speed of contact movement is improved, but mechanical wear and service life are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning device with an elastic element (spring) positioned between the operating mechanism and the current switching device. This spring absorbs and dampens mechanical shocks and impacts during operation, protecting the mobile contacts and mechanism from damaging forces while still enabling the necessary quick movement for arc suppression. The cushioning element pre-prepares the system to handle mechanical stresses without causing wear.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical forces are increased to ensure rapid contact movement, then the arc suppression capability is improved, but mechanical wear is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning device with elastic element is installed to absorb mechanical impacts during contact movement, reducing wear on the mobile contacts and mechanism parts. This allows the system to maintain the high forces needed for rapid contact movement and effective arc suppression without suffering from increased mechanical wear, as the cushioning element protects against damaging stress concentrations.
3Ease of operation
If the control mechanism is simplified for easier operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of contact movement timing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is designed with a spring-loaded operating system where the operator simply needs to trigger the release, and the spring automatically provides the precise force and timing needed for accurate contact movement. The system serves itself by using the pre-charged spring energy to ensure consistent, precise operation without requiring the operator to control the force or timing manually, thus maintaining precision while improving ease of operation.
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 mechanism improves mechanical reliability and extends the service life of current switching devices by minimizing mechanical stress and ensuring precise contact movement, reducing wear and tear, and preventing arc formation during closing and opening operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member including a closing spiral spring having a central end fastened to the arming shaft and a peripheral end fastened to a control member
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the arming lever in a first rotation direction called the arming direction causes the arming disc to go from the first position to the second position, constraining the first elastic member
Implementation Method 3
a second elastic member configured to cause the loading pawl to go from the driving position to the free position when the arming disc is retained by the retaining end stop
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for controlling a current switching device. The mechanism includes: an arming lever; an arming disc secured to an arming shaft, movable between a first position and a second position; and a loading pawl which can pivot between a position in which the arming lever drives the arming disc via the loading pawl and a position in which the arming lever is free, rotation of the arming lever causing the arming disc to go from the first position to the second position whilst constraining an elastic member. The mechanism further includes: an end stop for retaining the arming disc; a closing lever configured to trigger closing of the current switching device; and an elastic member configured to move the loading pawl from the position in which the arming lever drives the arming disc to the position in which the arming lever is free when the arming disc is retained by the end stop whilst driving the closing lever so as to close the current switching device.