On-load Tap Changer Motor Drive Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-load tap changers require complex energy storage mechanisms for abrupt switching, which complicates their design and reduces operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

The on-load tap changer uses a common motor drive to actuate both the selector contact unit and switching means without an energy store, employing a gear module attached to the transformer cover for space-efficient and simplified design, with linear movement of the selector contact unit directly actuating the vacuum interrupters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a spring-loaded energy store is used for abrupt switching, then switching speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring-loaded energy store from the system entirely. Instead of using mechanical energy storage for abrupt switching, the invention employs a motor-driven system with a threaded spindle and nut mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion, eliminating the need for complex energy storage components while maintaining switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical spring-loaded energy store with an electromechanical system. A motor drives a threaded spindle that converts rotational motion into linear motion of the selector contact unit, substituting the abrupt mechanical release of stored energy with a controlled electromechanical actuation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a spring-loaded energy store is used for abrupt switching, then switching performance is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching performanceVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the spring-loaded energy store, the patent eliminates the components that reduce reliability. The motor-driven system with threaded spindle provides a more reliable actuation mechanism that doesn't depend on the charging and discharge cycles of elastic energy storage, reducing wear and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a complex energy store mechanism is used, then switching function is achieved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching functionVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation mechanism for both selector contact units into a single motor-driven system. The motor drives a threaded spindle that simultaneously actuates multiple selector contact units through a common nut mechanism, consolidating what would otherwise require separate energy stores and actuation systems into one compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor-driven threaded spindle system serves multiple functions: it actuates both selector contact units, provides precise positioning, and eliminates the need for separate energy storage mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces overall space consumption while maintaining full switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution eliminates the need for complex energy storage, enhances operational reliability, and allows for uninterrupted switching between transformer taps, simplifying installation and reducing mechanical stress on the transformer cover.

Implementation Method 1

a motor drive (4), which interacts with the gear module (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a gear module (3), which interacts with a motor drive (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

a rotary movement generated by a motor drive (4) is transmitted by means of a gear module (3) to a threaded spindle (15), which is in engagement with a spindle nut (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2839491B1On-load tap changer
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • EP2839491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2839491B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2839491B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to an on-load tap changer for switching among different winding taps of a step transformer without interruption according to the preamble of the first patent claim. The general inventive concept lies in actuating both the selector contact unit and the switching means for uninterrupted load switching by means of a common motor drive without an energy store being connected therebetween.