Vacuum Interrupter Dropout Linkage for Automatic Mechanical Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cut-out mounted vacuum interrupting devices require magnetic actuators for dropout operations, which increase cost, and resetting mechanisms involving large capacitors or high voltage resistors are energy-intensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
An actuation assembly with a drive linkage, dropout lever, and latching mechanism that automatically opens and closes the vacuum interrupter, utilizing a drive rod, release lever, and latching lever to facilitate dropout and reset without the need for magnetic actuators or large capacitors, leveraging a compliance spring and cam system for automatic reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic actuator is used to initiate dropout operation, then the vacuum interrupter can be opened reliably, but the device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic actuator (electromagnetic system) with a purely mechanical linkage system. The drive rod with flange, release lever, latching lever, and dropout arms form a mechanical system that converts the opening spring force into rotational motion to disengage the switch from the mounting, eliminating the need for expensive magnetic actuators while maintaining reliable dropout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own opening spring to power both the vacuum interrupter opening and the dropout rotation. The mechanical linkage system automatically converts the spring's linear motion into rotational motion without requiring external energy sources or additional actuators, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective
2Extent of automation
If energy storage is used to reset the device after dropout, then the vacuum interrupter can be closed automatically, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanical linkage system where the drive rod, release lever, and latching lever automatically transition between states based on the opening spring's motion. As the spring recoils after opening the interrupter, the linkage dynamically converts this motion to rotate the dropout lever back to the closed position, achieving automatic reset without complex control systems or energy storage devices
Solution Approach 2:
The opening spring is pre-loaded during the closed state, storing the energy needed for both opening the interrupter and resetting the device. This preliminary energy storage in the spring eliminates the need for separate energy storage systems or external power sources for resetting, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining full automation
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 cost-effective and energy-efficient automatic dropout and reset of vacuum interrupters, eliminating the need for magnetic actuators and reducing energy storage requirements, while ensuring reliable operation and quick recovery from fault conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring link is coupled to the release lever at one end and one end of a spring at an opposite end, where the spring is coupled to one of the plates at an opposite end. Actuation of the actuator to open the switch causes the drive rod with the flange to move, which causes the release lever to rotate under bias of the spring
Implementation Method 2
allows the switch to rotate on the second coupling assembly
Implementation Method 3
causes the compliance stop to engage the first and second cams, which causes the release lever, the trip link, the latching lever and the dropout arms to return to the switch closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation assembly that is part of and operates to open and close a cut-out mounted switching device. The actuation assembly includes components that cause the switching device to be released from an upper coupling assembly when the actuation assembly opens the switching device and causes the switching device to be closed when the switching device is dropping out of the coupling assembly.