Electric Switching Device Independent Shut-Off Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switching devices with monitoring systems face limitations as the actuation of the shut-off device is dependent on the connection of a test device, restricting its operation if the test device remains connected for an extended period.

Innovation Solution

The shut-off device is designed to be actuated independently of the test device connection, allowing it to be switched between open and closed positions regardless of the test device's connection status, with a rotatable mechanism and a lever for easy operation, and a latching mechanism to prevent unintentional closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shut-off device is coupled to the test device connection mechanism, then the test device can be connected for testing the density monitor, but the shut-off device cannot be opened if the test device remains connected for a longer period of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidshut-off device actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control mechanisms into two independent parts: one for the shut-off device and another for the test device connection. The shut-off device has its own independent actuation mechanism that is not coupled to the test device connection status, allowing the gas space to be isolated from the switching device pole regardless of whether a test device is connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shut-off device is designed with independent actuation, then the test device can remain connected for longer periods, but the coupling between shut-off and test connection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a density monitor as an intermediary component that remains functional regardless of the shut-off position or test device connection status. The density monitor continuously monitors the insulating gas density in the gas space, providing a mediating function that bridges the independent operations of the shut-off device and test device connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the lever covers the display field when shut-off element is closed, then it is clear that monitoring is not active, but the display visibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring status indicationVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indication through the lever's position relative to the display field. When the shut-off element is in the closed position, the lever at least partially covers the display field, providing a visual indicator that monitoring is not active. This physical covering serves as a clear status indication without requiring additional lighting or color changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3100296B1Electric switching device
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP3100296B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3100296B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3100296B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric switching device (1), comprising at least one switching-device pole filled with insulating gas and a monitoring apparatus (14). The monitoring apparatus (14) comprises a density monitor (15) and a housing part (16), wherein a gas chamber (17) is contained in the housing part (16), which gas chamber is connected to the switching-device pole and to the density monitor (15) and can be connected to a testing device for the density monitor (15), and wherein the housing part (16) contains a shut-off element (20), which can be actuated into an open position and into a closed position. The actuation of the shut-off element (20) is independent of the connection of the gas chamber (17) to the testing device.