Vacuum Tube Switching Device Adaptive Drive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching devices with vacuum tubes face challenges in adapting to varying environmental conditions such as altitude and gravitational forces, leading to inconsistent switching speeds and forces that deviate from setpoint values.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a vacuum tube and an adjustable drive that includes sensors to detect physical properties of the operating location, allowing the drive to adapt the contact opening and closing forces to match the specific conditions, using a combination of electromagnetic coils and variable springs to dynamically adjust the force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the switching device uses fixed drive forces, then the structure is simple, but the switching speed and force deviate from setpoint values under varying environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching performance consistencyVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of drive forces through adjustable drive means that can modify opening and closing forces based on detected environmental conditions. This allows the switching device to adapt to varying altitudes and gravitational forces, maintaining consistent switching performance without requiring a completely complex restructured system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the drive system by adjusting drive forces according to detected environmental parameters (altitude, gravity). This enables the switching device to compensate for environmental variations by modifying operational parameters rather than restructuring the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the switching device adapts to different operating locations, then the switching performance improves, but the device complexity increases due to sensors and adjustable drives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating location adaptabilityVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the switching device universally adaptable to different operating locations by integrating sensors that detect environmental conditions and adjustable drive means that respond to these conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to operate reliably across varying altitudes, gravitational forces, and orientations without requiring location-specific modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect physical properties of the operating location (such as altitude and gravitational force) and this information is used to automatically adjust the drive forces. This closed-loop control enables the device to adapt to environmental conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the switching device operates at varying altitudes and orientations, then the application range expands, but the switching speed and force become inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating environment rangeVSAvoidswitching parameter consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for environmental variations by dynamically changing drive parameters (opening and closing forces) based on detected conditions. This allows the device to maintain consistent switching performance across varying altitudes and orientations by adjusting operational parameters in response to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures consistent switching performance across fluctuating conditions by dynamically adapting the contact forces to ambient pressures and positions, maintaining setpoint values and enabling operation in environments with changing altitudes and orientations.

Implementation Method 1

comprises a sensor for detecting physical properties of the operating location of the switching device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

using a combination of electromagnetic coils and variable springs to dynamically adjust the force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10431405B2Switching device comprising a vacuum tube

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

Disclosed is a switching device comprising a vacuum tube and an adjustable drive for opening and closing the contacts of the switching device. The switching device also comprises a sensor for detecting physical properties of the operating site of the switching device. The detected physical property adapts the adjustable drive for opening and closing the contacts to the operating site.