Switching Apparatus State Detection via Magnetic Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detectors and indicators for switching apparatuses are unreliable at high speeds and prone to failure due to high acceleration, and are often hindered by particles or dirt, necessitating a more robust and reliable solution for determining the open or closed state of fast-closing switches.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising protruding contact elements and contact pins that form electrical switches, with a detection arrangement using a mechanical and electrical part to determine the state of the switching apparatus, allowing for reliable operation even at high speeds and in dirty environments, utilizing a simple and robust mechanical design with a power supply and resistors to form a closed electric circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detectors and indicators are used in high-speed switching applications, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to breaking under high acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical detectors with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the movable contact, and a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor) detects the magnetic field changes to determine contact position. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and breaking issues while maintaining simplicity, as the magnetic field detection requires no physical contact between the sensor and the moving parts.
2Speed
If optical indicators are used to detect high-speed switching, then the reliability improves for high-speed operation, but the reliability deteriorates due to blockage by particles or dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection with magnetic field detection. Since magnetic fields penetrate non-magnetic materials and are not blocked by particles or dirt in the same way light is blocked by opaque contaminants, the magnetic sensor can reliably detect the magnet's position on the movable contact even in dirty environments. This eliminates the harmful effect of particle blockage while maintaining high-speed detection capability.
3Reliability
If a robust mechanical indicator is used to withstand high acceleration, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for robust mechanical indicator structures by using a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnet attached to the movable contact is simple and lightweight, while the magnetic sensor remains stationary. This substitution achieves high reliability under high acceleration without requiring complex mechanical reinforcement, as the magnetic interaction is contactless and requires no mechanical strength to withstand the acceleration forces.
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 solution provides a reliable and long-lasting indication of the switching apparatus's state, ensuring safety during maintenance and operation, with a low maintenance requirement and the ability to withstand high-speed switching without being affected by dirt or particles.
Implementation Method 1
the contact element is in contact with the contact pin when the movable contact is in the first position and the contact element is at a distance from the contact pin when the movable contact is in the second position, whereby the contact element and the contact pin form an electrical switch
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for indicating the state of an electrical switching apparatus including a movable contact (102) arranged movable between a first and a second position. The device comprises at least one protruding contact element (4A,4B) arranged on the movable contact, at least one contact pin (2A,2B) arranged in the close vicinity to the movable contact such that said contact element abuts the contact pin when the movable contact is in the first position and said contact element is at a distance from the contact pin when the movable contact is in the second position, whereby the contact element and the contact pin form an electrical switch (10A,10B) and a detector arrangement (8) configured to detect when said electrical switch is closed and by that detect when the movable contact is in the first position.