On-load tap changer position detection via optical coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-load tap changers face inaccuracies in detecting switching positions due to potential slip between the input shaft and energy accumulator, leading to erroneous display of switching positions.
Innovation Solution
The on-load tap changer incorporates a detector mechanically coupled to the energy accumulator via the on-load tap changer gear, utilizing a cam switch mechanism or encoder system to convert mechanical inputs into electronic signals, ensuring accurate detection of switching positions and eliminating errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the input shaft is coupled to the energy accumulator via a pick-up mechanism, then the switching position can be indicated, but mechanical slip occurs between the input shaft and energy accumulator leading to detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pick-up coupling between the input shaft and energy accumulator with an optical detection system. The detector uses optical fields (light) to detect the switching position without mechanical contact, eliminating slip and wear issues. The optical system reads position information from the energy accumulator's movement through non-contact means, ensuring both high precision and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical indicator mechanism is used to display switching position, then position indication is provided, but the mechanism absorbs movement of the input shaft causing inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical indicator mechanism with an optical detector system. Instead of using mechanical components that absorb and potentially lose movement, the optical detector directly senses the switching position through non-contact optical fields. This substitution eliminates the absorption of input shaft movement and provides accurate position detection without mechanical interference.
3Measurement precision
If direct mechanical coupling is used between energy accumulator and detector, then accurate position detection is achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fields to create a direct yet non-contact coupling between the energy accumulator and detector. The optical detection system achieves accurate position detection without requiring complex mechanical linkages, gears, or intermediate mechanisms. The simplicity of optical components compared to mechanical transmission systems reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 provides reliable, tamper-proof, and error-free detection of switching positions, simplifying maintenance and operation by directly coupling the energy accumulator's movement to the detector, thus preventing mechanical play and thermal-induced inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a cam switch mechanism or encoder system to convert mechanical inputs into electronic signals
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cam switch mechanism or encoder system to convert mechanical inputs into electronic signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an on-load tap-changer (1) having a switching tube (15), an energy accumulator (13) for adjusting a switch position of the switching tube (15), a detector (200) for detecting a switch position of the on-load tap-changer (1), and an on-load tap-changer mechanism (100). The switching tube (15) and the detector (200) are both mechanically coupled to the energy accumulator (13) via the on-load tap-changer mechanism (100).