Vacuum Bottle Actuation System with Adjustable Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medium voltage or high voltage electrical connection devices require a precise and reliable mechanism to open vacuum bulbs without causing electric arcs, which is complex and costly, especially in ensuring simultaneous opening of vacuum bulbs across phases.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a movable and fixed electrode with a control nut, driving device, and locking mechanism that adjusts the opening movement of the vacuum bulb, using a rotating adjustment nut and locking screw or ring to precisely control the separation of electrodes, allowing for precise timing and prevention of electric arcs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a precise and reliable mechanism is used to open vacuum bulbs without causing electric arcs, then the reliability of the electrical connection device is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the opening mechanism: it simultaneously opens the main switch and the vacuum bulb, controls the timing of bulb opening relative to main switch opening, and provides adjustment capabilities. This integration reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, thereby improving reliability while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: opening the main switch, opening the vacuum bulb, controlling the sequence of operations, and providing adjustable timing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability through coordinated control.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If a complex adjustment system is used to ensure precise timing and simultaneous opening of vacuum bulbs across phases, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism includes preliminary adjustment capabilities that allow the timing of vacuum bulb opening to be set in advance relative to the main switch opening. This preliminary configuration enables precise timing control to be built into the mechanism during assembly, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time control systems that would difficult to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stress or pressure

If the vacuum bulb is placed in the main circuit, then the contact pressure control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for bypass architecture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the vacuum bulb as an intermediary element placed in a bypass circuit rather than directly in the main circuit. This intermediary positioning allows the bulb to control contact pressure and prevent electric arcs during switching operations without requiring the bulb to carry full load current, thereby maintaining effective contact pressure control while avoiding the complexity of direct main circuit integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system simplifies the opening mechanism, ensuring reliable and simultaneous opening of vacuum bulbs across phases, reducing the risk of electric arcs and maintaining contact pressure, while being economical and easy to implement.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating system comprises a threaded ring and a sleeve which is attached to the movable electrode and driven by the threaded ring, the threaded ring being equipped with an external thread cooperating with an internal thread of the adjustment nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the driving device comprises an ardunce acting against a flange of the adjustment nut to cause the electrode to the open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the locking device comprises a locking screw for preventing rotation of the adjusting nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3300097B1Actuation system of a vacuum bottle
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3300097B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3300097B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuation system for a vacuum tube (1) for an electrical connection device, the vacuum tube (1) comprising a movable electrode (2) and a fixed electrode (3), the movable electrode (2) being longitudinally movable between a closed position in which the two electrodes are in contact with each other and an open position in which the two electrodes are separated. The actuation system includes an adjusting nut (10, 110) linked to the movable electrode (2) and rotatable to adjust its position relative to the movable electrode (2), a drive device (20, 120) acting on the adjusting nut (10, 110) to drive the movable electrode (2) towards the open position, and a locking device (12, 112) for the position of the adjusting nut relative to the movable electrode.