Torque Regulator Assembly for Circuit Breaker Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching apparatus, such as medium voltage circuit breakers, have complex and difficult-to-assemble stored energy assemblies with components prone to unintentional overload, requiring multiple components for charging mechanisms and lacking effective energy regulation.
Innovation Solution
A torque regulator assembly that includes a gear and transfer assembly, allowing the drive assembly to move between driving and non-driving positions to control energy transfer to the stored energy mechanism, preventing overcharging by disengaging when a predetermined torque limit is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual charging mechanisms and components are used to charge the stored energy mechanism, then the stored energy mechanism can be charged, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual charging mechanisms into a single integrated charging mechanism that charges the stored energy mechanism through a unified power train. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assemblies required, thereby decreasing device complexity and assembly difficulty while maintaining the reliability of energy storage and transfer.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the gear continuously transfers energy to the stored energy mechanism, then energy storage is maintained, but the stored energy mechanism becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic torque regulator assembly that automatically adjusts the engagement between the gear and the stored energy mechanism based on real-time torque conditions. When the stored energy mechanism reaches its maximum storage capacity, the torque regulator disengages the gear, preventing overloading. This dynamic control enables continuous energy transfer during normal operation while protecting against overload conditions.
3Device complexity
If a simple gear connection is used between the charging mechanism and stored energy mechanism, then the structure is simplified, but energy regulation and overload protection are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque regulator assembly as an intermediary component between the gear and the stored energy mechanism. This intermediary element provides automatic torque limitation and overload protection without requiring complex control systems. The torque regulator uses a simple mechanical design with a regulator gear and transfer assembly that inherently limits the maximum torque transmitted to the stored energy mechanism.
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 torque regulator assembly ensures safe and reliable energy transfer to the stored energy mechanism, preventing overloading and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a gear structured to be cooperable with the at least one charging mechanism... In the driving position, the gear is cooperable with the transfer assembly to drive the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A torque regulator assembly is for a stored energy assembly of an electrical switching apparatus. The torque regulator assembly includes: a drive assembly including a gear and a transfer assembly disposed on the gear, the gear being structured to be cooperable with at least one charging mechanism of the stored energy assembly; and a shaft extending through the gear. The drive assembly is structured to move between a driving position and a non-driving position. In the driving position, the gear is cooperable with the transfer assembly to drive the shaft. In the non-driving position, the gear rotates independently with respect to the transfer assembly.