Undervoltage Coil Locking Device for Electrical Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for preventing the grounding of electrical apparatuses fail to differentiate between voltage presence and system malfunctions like power failures, leading to unnecessary grounding prevention even when there is no voltage on the line.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with an undervoltage coil and a rotatable flap mechanism that only allows grounding after verifying the absence of voltage on the line, using an electromagnetic coil to control the lock's position and an operator-actuated bolt for unlocking, ensuring the device remains locked during voltage presence and unlocks when voltage is absent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device prevents grounding based on voltage detection, then safety during voltage presence is improved, but grounding is unnecessarily prevented during system malfunctions like power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static locking state to a dynamic state where the lock can be manually overridden. The bolt can be rotated by an operator to override the electromagnetic locking force, enabling grounding even when the system detects voltage presence or during malfunctions. This dynamic override capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining automatic safety while allowing manual intervention when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coil acts as an intermediary between the voltage detection system and the locking mechanism. During normal operation, it maintains the locked state automatically. During malfunctions, the operator can intervene by rotating the bolt, which overrides the electromagnetic force. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain safety while permitting manual grounding during anomalies.
2Extent of automation
If electronic control systems are used to detect voltage and control locking, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simpler electromagnetic mechanism. Instead of using microcontrollers, sensors, and complex circuitry to detect voltage and control the lock, the invention uses an electromagnetic coil that directly responds to voltage presence to actuate the locking mechanism. This mechanical-electromagnetic approach maintains automation while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coil is self-actuating based on voltage presence without requiring external electronic control logic. When voltage is present, the coil automatically generates magnetic force to lock the mechanism. When voltage is absent, the locking force is released. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex electronic control systems while maintaining automatic operation.
3Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism is used to prevent grounding during voltage presence, then safety is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses electromagnetic force parameters to achieve robust locking without increasing mechanical size. The electromagnetic coil generates sufficient magnetic force to maintain the locked state during voltage presence, replacing the need for large mechanical locking components. This parameter change from mechanical to electromagnetic force allows compact design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and grounding prevention functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The electromagnetic coil, bolt, and frame work together as a unified system where the electromagnetic force provides both the locking action and the prevention of grounding during voltage presence. This merging eliminates the need for separate robust mechanical locking components, reducing overall device size while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables safe and controlled grounding during system malfunctions by preventing unnecessary grounding during voltage presence while allowing access when voltage is absent, utilizing a reduced number of parts for a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil (1) comprising a core (2) adapted to be moved during the presence of a voltage
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8a
Figure 9~12
AI summary
The device has a lock (9) actuated by an operator so as to activate or deactivate a locking unit after activating an actuating unit that drives the locking unit, in a locking position. The locking unit is constituted of a latch (3) that co-operates with a grounding device actuation preventing unit. The preventing unit has a closing flap (5) that is rotated with respect to a frame (C) of an electric protection apparatus. The actuating unit has an electromagnetic coil (1) i.e. under voltage coil, provided with a core (2) cooperating with the latch.