Switching Device Locking Mechanism Remote Status Signalling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices for low and medium voltage electric circuits lack effective remote indication of their locked or unlocked status, particularly in inaccessible locations, posing safety risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a locking mechanism that outputs electrical signals indicative of its configuration and actuation status, allowing for remote monitoring and automatic control of the locking device, which directly interacts with the rotating shaft to lock the movable contacts in the open position, preventing re-closure attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual signalling components are used to indicate locked status, then the locked status can be indicated, but only operators close to the switching device can visually check the status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual signalling components with an electrical signalling system. The locking device includes electrical signalling components that generate electrical signals indicating the locked status, which can be transmitted remotely to control stations or monitoring systems, eliminating the need for operators to physically approach the switching device to check status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary between the locking device and the operator. These signals are generated by signalling components within the locking device and can be transmitted through electrical circuits to remote monitoring stations, allowing operators to obtain locked status information without direct visual inspection of the physical device.
2Reliability
If locking devices are installed in inaccessible locations such as wind towers, then the switching device can be locked for safety, but operators cannot easily monitor or verify the locked status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual indicators with electrical signalling systems that can transmit status information over distances. The electrical signals generated by the locking device's signalling components can be conveyed to remote monitoring stations located away from inaccessible installations such as wind towers, enabling easy verification of locked status without physical proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the locking device's status is continuously monitored and electrical signals are transmitted to provide real-time information about the locked state. This feedback system allows operators to remotely verify the locked status and receive immediate notification if the locking state changes, enhancing both detectability and reliability.
3Extent of automation
If electrical signalling components are integrated into the locking device, then remote monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical signalling components directly into the locking device structure. The signalling components are integrated with the locking mechanism's moving parts, such that the same mechanical movements that indicate locked status also actuate the electrical signals. This consolidation adds remote monitoring capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the locking device to serve multiple functions: the primary locking function and the secondary signalling function. The signalling components are configured to utilize the existing mechanical movements of the locking mechanism, allowing a single device to provide both security locking and remote status indication without requiring separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device for an electric circuit, comprising at least one contact movable between a closed position in which it is coupled to a corresponding fixed contact and an open position in which it is spaced away from said corresponding fixed contact. The switching device comprises at least one locking device configured for being actuated between a rest configuration in which said at least one movable contact is free to move and an operative configuration in which it locks said at least one movable contact in the open position The locking device is configured for outputting one or more electrical signals which are indicative of at least one of the rest configuration, the operative configuration, and an under actuation condition wherein the locking device itself is moving between said rest and operative configurations.