Vacuum Switch Operating Device Height Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum switches have a large operating device height due to the placement of auxiliary contacts and other components above the electromagnet, which complicates installation and reduces convenience.

Innovation Solution

The operating device is redesigned with the electromagnet fixed to the lateral side of the case, allowing the capacitor and control board to be mounted on either side, reducing the overall height and improving installation workability by optimizing the layout and fixing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the auxiliary contact and other components are located above the electromagnet and integrated with the electromagnet, then the structural integration is improved, but the overall height of the operating device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent redistributes components from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal distribution across multiple sides of the case. The electromagnet is fixed to the front side, the capacitor to one lateral side, and the control board to the opposite lateral side, transforming the spatial arrangement from vertical to multi-dimensional horizontal placement, thereby reducing overall height while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the electromagnet is located in the central lower part of the case, then the structural symmetry is improved, but the installation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural symmetryVSAvoidinstallation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the internal space of the case into distinct functional zones: the front side for the electromagnet, one lateral side for the capacitor, and the opposite lateral side for the control board. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and installed, improving installation convenience while maintaining a balanced structural layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the capacitor and control board are placed on both sides of the electromagnet, then the space utilization is improved, but the flux leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidflux leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-magnetic plate as an intermediary barrier between the electromagnet and the capacitor/control board positioned on the lateral sides. This non-magnetic plate prevents magnetic flux from leaking into the adjacent electronic components while allowing the compact lateral arrangement that optimizes space utilization within the case.

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

This configuration reduces the overall height of the operating device, enhancing installation convenience and reliability by minimizing flux leakage and improving the transmission of driving forces, while maintaining efficient space usage and reducing the risk of component contamination.

Implementation Method 1

an operating device which generates an operating force using an electromagnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2863406B1Operating device or vacuum switch
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 HITACHI IND EQUIP SYST CO LTD
  • EP2863406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2863406B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2863406B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention has an object to provide an operating device or vacuum switch which permits reduction in the overall height of the operating device and improves installation convenience. In order to solve the above problem, an operating device according to the present invention is characterized by including an electromagnet 14 located in a case 10 and fixed to the case 10 through a fixing part, a capacitor 16 located at an end in the case 10, a control board 18 located opposite to the capacitor 16 across the electromagnet 14, an auxiliary contact 34 located above the capacitor 16, a movable part to move by a magnetic force generated from the electromagnet 14, and a power transmission section to operate in conjunction with movement of the movable part. The capacitor 16 and the auxiliary contact 34 are located at heights not exceeding the height of the fixing part for fixing the electromagnet 14.