Dual Power Transfer Switch Spring Mechanism for Stable Indicator Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual power transfer switch indicators face challenges with inaccurate dimensional control, random final fixed positions due to rebound, and unbalanced force leading to mechanical instability and poor indication.

Innovation Solution

A spring mechanism with first and second legs that exert frictional forces on the indicator to prevent rebound, integrated with a base and housing, and featuring grooves to stabilize leg movement, ensuring accurate positioning and reduced inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a mechanical indicator is used to indicate the power-on position, then the indicator can show the status, but the dimensional tolerance is difficult to accurately control and the tolerance of the indicated position on the dimension chain is too large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindication position precisionVSAvoiddimensional tolerance control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the indicator by introducing a spring mechanism that applies controlled elastic force. This transforms the indicator from a passive mechanical component subject to dimensional tolerances into an active system where the spring's elastic properties (a different physical parameter) determine the final position, thereby achieving precise indication independent of mechanical dimensional tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary between the mechanical drive and the indicator. Instead of directly positioning the indicator through mechanical linkages with accumulated dimensional tolerances, the spring mediates the force transmission and uses its elastic deformation to achieve precise, stable positioning that compensates for manufacturing variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the indicator moves between positions, then the status can be indicated, but the indicator will rebound many times due to impact and the final fixed position cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator movementVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded to apply continuous pressure on the indicator. This cushioning effect absorbs impact energy during movement and eliminates rebound, allowing the indicator to settle smoothly at the final position without oscillation or uncertainty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impact and rebound into beneficial controlled movement. The spring's elastic properties transform the impact energy that would cause harmful rebound into controlled deceleration and smooth positioning, turning the previously harmful dynamic behavior into a benefit for achieving stable, accurate indication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a long indicator driving rod is used to drive the indicator, then the indicator can be actuated, but the force is unbalanced which leads to movement tilt and worse mechanical indication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator actuationVSAvoidmovement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unbalanced mechanical force transmission through the long driving rod with a spring-based elastic force system. This substitution changes the force application mechanism from rigid mechanical linkage (prone to imbalance and tilt) to elastic force transmission (which provides balanced, stable force distribution), thereby eliminating movement tilt and improving indication stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 spring mechanism stabilizes indicator movement, reduces rebound, and ensures accurate positioning by generating horizontal and vertical components of pressure, enhancing mechanical indication and reducing dust entry and movement inclination.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mounted on the base; the spring includes a first leg configured to contact and exert a pressure on an indicator of the dual power transfer switch, so as to generate a frictional force between the first leg and the indicator and reduce a rebound of the indicator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11908643B2Spring mechanism used for dual power transfer switch and dual power transfer switch

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

AI summary

The application relates to a spring mechanism for a dual power transfer switch and a dual power transfer switch. The spring mechanism includes: a base mounted on a housing of the dual power transfer switch; and a spring mounted on the base. The spring includes a first leg configured to contact and exert a pressure on an indicator of the dual power transfer switch, so as to generate a frictional force between the first leg and the indicator and reduce a rebound of the indicator upon the indicator moving between a first indicating position and an intermediate indicating position, the first indicating position indicates that the dual power transfer switch is in a first power-on position, and the intermediate indicating position indicates that the dual power transfer switch is in a dual-off position.