Variable Transmission Mechanism for On-Load Tap Changer Energy Accumulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-load tap changers with energy accumulators face challenges in efficiently managing the transmission ratio and oscillating pivoting movement of the output hub, particularly under defective or blocked conditions or during overload situations, where the relaxation and driving of the output hub can be slowed, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A variable transmission mechanism is introduced that allows for an oscillating pivoting movement of the output hub between angular positions, with a tensioning element and relaxation element designed to follow each other at desired speeds, and includes a crank coupled to the storage element and gear, enabling direct drive of the output hub when necessary, using a cam transmission or linkage transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the output hub rotates slowly under defective or blocked conditions, then the relaxation and driving process is prolonged, but this leads to reduced efficiency and increased operation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliability under adverse conditionsVSAvoidoperation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operating conditions. During normal operation, it follows the standard tensioning-relaxation cycle. During defective or blocked conditions, the mechanism allows the tensioning element to catch up with the relaxation element, creating a dynamic response that adapts to adverse conditions and prevents excessive deviation of the output hub from its angular positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the tensioning element follows the relaxation element at a fixed speed, then the mechanism is simple to control, but it cannot adapt to variable operating conditions including defects or overloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to adverse conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism transitions from a fixed-speed following relationship to a dynamic relationship where the tensioning element can catch up with the relaxation element during adverse conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle defective or blocked conditions while maintaining relatively simple mechanical control through the cam transmission or linkage transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the efficiency and reliability of the on-load tap changer by allowing the tensioning element to catch up with the relaxation element during slow relaxation or driving, ensuring smooth operation even under adverse conditions, and prevents the output hub from deviating excessively from its angular positions.

Implementation Method 1

using a cam transmission or linkage transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

A variable transmission mechanism is introduced that allows for an oscillating pivoting movement of the output hub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3271929B1Energy accumulator for an on-load tap changer, and on-load tap changer comprising an energy accumulator
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • EP3271929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3271929B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3271929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An energy accumulator (15) for or in an on-load tap changer (10) comprising a motor (11) with an output shaft (12) as well as a load transfer switch (13) with an input shaft (14) comprises - an elastic accumulation element (17), and - a gear unit which is coupled to the accumulation element (17) and which comprises: ∙ an input hub (201) that can be connected to the output shaft (12) for conjoint rotation therewith; ∙ an output hub (231) that can be connected to the input shaft (12) for conjoint rotation therewith; and ∙ a variable transmission means (20, 21) that is connected between the input hub (201) and the accumulation element (17).