Vacuum Circuit Breaker Spring Tension Adjustment for Stable Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum circuit breakers face challenges in maintaining the opening spring's tension within strict tolerances to ensure the movable contact remains stably in the open position, especially under vacuum conditions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a spring tension adjustment mechanism with an adjustment actuator and a rigid coupling link allows for adjustable tension, length, and pre-tension force in the opening spring, enabling it to counteract vacuum-induced forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opening spring is provided to counteract vacuum pressure and hold the movable contact in the open position, then the circuit breaker can maintain stable open position, but the opening spring must meet strict tolerance requirements which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable opening spring mechanism that allows the spring tension to be dynamically modified after assembly. The adjustment mechanism includes a adjustment nut and threaded rod that enable field adjustment of the spring pre-tension, transforming a static spring system into a dynamic one that can adapt to manufacturing variations and maintain reliable operation without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If the opening spring is made stronger to ensure reliable counteraction of vacuum forces, then the movable contact can be held more stably in open position, but the energy consumption and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the spring pre-tension force to optimize performance. Instead of using a fixed strong spring that consumes excessive energy, the system allows the pre-tension parameter to be adjusted to the minimum necessary value to counteract vacuum forces, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability. The adjustment mechanism enables fine-tuning of the spring force parameter to match actual operating conditions.
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 ensures reliable operation of the vacuum circuit breaker by maintaining the required spring force and movement specifications, even with manufacturing tolerances and changes, while also being energy-efficient and compact.
Implementation Method 1
a drive unit (100) coupled to the movable contact (510) for actuating a movement between the closed position and the open position, the drive unit including an opening spring (110) operably connected at a first end portion to the movable contact (510) for biasing the movable contact towards the open position
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment actuator (120) configured to position a second end portion of the opening spring (110) in a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of lengths of the opening spring (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum circuit breaker comprises a vacuum breaker unit; and a drive unit. The drive unit includes an opening spring for biasing a movable contact of the vacuum breaker unit towards the open position; and a spring tension adjustment mechanism. The spring tension adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment actuator; and a rigid coupling link connecting the adjustment actuator to the second end portion the opening spring. The adjustment actuator is arranged offset from an opening spring axis.