Tap Changer Drive Latch Mechanism With Spring-Coupled Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive mechanisms for tap changers are complex and require a large number of parts, making them cumbersome and difficult to integrate with multiple functions.
Innovation Solution
A simplified drive mechanism for tap changers is introduced, featuring a spring connected between two wheels with radially aligned planar surfaces and pivotable latches, allowing for bidirectional rotation of one wheel and unidirectional rotation of the other, powered by energy storage and release, which engages and disengages actuating and locking elements to operate the diverter switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional drive mechanism with gear wheel, flywheel, spring device, brake, and Maltese cross arm is used, then the tap changer can perform diverter switch operation, but the device complexity increases and requires a large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional components into a simplified integrated structure. The first and second rotatable wheels replace the separate gear wheel and flywheel, the spring is directly connected between the two wheels eliminating the need for a separate spring device, and the movable latch with actuating and locking elements replaces the brake and Maltese cross arm mechanism. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the diverter switch operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first rotatable wheel serves multiple functions: it can be rotated bidirectionally to tension the spring for energy storage, and its actuating element can engage with the latch to control the second wheel's rotation. The second rotatable wheel with locking elements provides both the flywheel function for energy storage and the braking function through selective locking. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple latching elements and locking mechanisms are added to control wheel rotation, then the operation control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into two independent latch systems (first movable latch and second movable latch), each with its own actuating element and locking element pair. This segmentation allows each latch to control one direction of rotation independently, simplifying the control logic while maintaining comprehensive operation control. The first latch controls rotation in one direction and the second latch controls rotation in the opposite direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable latches are designed to be automatically engaged and disengaged by the rotation of the first wheel. As the first wheel rotates, its actuating elements automatically interact with the latches to engage or disengage the locking elements on the second wheel, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. The system serves itself through the inherent mechanical interaction between the rotating first wheel and the latch structures.
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
This design simplifies the diverter switch, reduces complexity, and integrates multiple functions with fewer parts, enabling efficient operation and flexibility in tap changer systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first wheel being driven around the first axis causes energy to be stored in the spring and subsequently causes the first actuating element to engage with the first end of the first latch for disengaging the second end of the first latch from the first locking element of the second rotatable wheel thereby causing the second wheel to rotate round the second axis powered by the release of the energy of the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is concerned with a drive arrangement (23) for a tap changer, the drive arrangement comprising a first movable latch (42) having a first and a second end (44, 46), a first rotatable wheel (24) with a first actuating element (26) for engaging the first end (44) of the first movable latch (42), a second rotatable wheel (32) with a first locking element (34) for engaging the second end (46) of the first movable latch (42), and a first spring (50) connected between the first and second wheels (24, 32) for storing energy caused by the movement of the first wheel (24) and apply it in the movement of the second wheel (32). There is also a method for operating drive arrangement.