Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to low voltage switchgear, and more specifically, relates to solenoid-based automatic transfer switch mechanisms to drive an electrical switching device like transfer switches.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrical switching apparatus, such as Automatic Transfer Switching Equipment (ATSE), is capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions which may include specified operating overload conditions for a specific time and also under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those short circuit for a specified time. These switches are ideal for withstanding higher short circuit currents for a short time duration. ATSE provides automatic switching from one source to another by sensing the health of the source to maintain a constant supply to the load. They are widely used in various industries, medical infrastructure, data centers, and residential areas.
[0003] In the current system, the switching operation is done by charging the mechanism springs of manual operation, which may drive the contact system. Due to such double-stage operation in automatic operation the transfer time increases. The mechanism spring is designed to provide the required velocity to the contact system to increase the total energy required to drive the contact system.
[0004] Therefore, it is desired to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and develop the use of the velocity of the solenoid to drive the contact system directly without charging the mechanism spring. Therefore, it reduces the required energy and the transfer time and provides a fast and more reliable solution.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to low voltage switchgear, and more specifically, relates to solenoid-based automatic transfer switch mechanism to drive an electrical switching device like transfer switches.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that includes a gear arrangement that delivers higher momentum during the establishment of contacts and reduces impact after breaking, especially in the OFF position.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that operates directly with the solenoids, bypassing the need for mechanism charging springs, thereby the solenoid directly drives the contact system.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that reduces the overall size of the solenoid, and the force of operation is optimized for increased reliability and cost-effectiveness.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that provides faster reliable operation since the solenoid stroke directly drives the contact system, eliminating the need for multiple linkages to achieve the desired torque or velocity.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that drives switches one at a time with a common linkage, maximizing the safety of the operation.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that provides a unique ratchet arrangement for the solenoid plunger during transfer operations.

SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates in general, to low voltage switchgear, and more specifically, relates to solenoid based automatic transfer switch mechanism to drive an electrical switching device like transfer switches. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawback, limitations, and shortcomings of the existing mechanism and solution, by providing solenoid-based operation for ATSE with rotary contact system.
[0013] The present disclosure provides an automatic transfer switching mechanism that includes one or more solenoids includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first solenoid and the second solenoid convert electrical energy into linear motion. The one or more solenoids includes a pair of plungers comprising a first plunger and a second plunger mounted on corresponding solenoids responsible for pulling corresponding solenoid links and a pair of ratchets comprising a first ratchet and a second ratchet mounted on the corresponding plungers to drive a set of pins of a disc converting linear motion into rotary motion, the disc accommodated between the first solenoid and the second solenoid. The actuation of the corresponding solenoids initiates linear motion, subsequently converted to rotational motion, leading to controlled rotation of one or more switches of contact system to obtain an OFF-ON operation and ON-OFF operation respectively, and wherein velocity of the corresponding solenoids drives the one or more switches directly without charging mechanism spring, facilitating reduction in required energy and transfer time.
[0014] In an aspect, one or more solenoids are configured to receive input either through remote operation or based on a controller.
[0015] In another aspect, the one or more switches of contact system includes a first switch and a second switch initiating transfer operation between the first switch and the second switch involving the actuation of at least one solenoid of the one or more solenoids twice.
[0016] In another aspect, the disc is coupled with a central gear accommodated on a mid-housing of the mechanism, the central gear drives a pair of switch gears, that comprises a first switch gear and a second switch gear, wherein one set of teeth of the central gear is engaged with the first switch gear and other set of teeth is engaged with the second switch gear. The pair of switch gears, are selected depending on the direction of rotation of the central gear which is governed by the one or more solenoids.
[0017] In another aspect, first switch gear and the second switch gear accommodated with corresponding switch driving pins that controls the movement of associated pair of switch gears, related to the switching operation.
[0018] In another aspect, set of pins on the disc are actuated by the corresponding solenoids, wherein the set of pins, comprises a first set of pins and second set of pins for OFF to ON operation and ON to OFF operation, respectively.
[0019] In another aspect, the mechanism configured to transition the second switch of the contact system from the OFF position to the ON position, the mechanism configured to actuate the first solenoid to pull a first solenoid link through the first plunger. Engage the first ratchet on the first solenoid to the second set of pins on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to the rotational motion. Initiate clockwise rotation of the disc, coupled to the central gear, which concurrently rotates in the same direction. Transmit the rotational motion from the central gear to the second switch gear in an opposite direction, while restricting movement of the first switch gear. Rotate the second switch of the contact system to turn the second switch to the ON position. Reset the position of the first plunger loaded with spring and obtain required velocity and profile of the contact system through the first solenoid, with stroke adjustment facilitating precise rotation of the at least one switch contact element.
[0020] In another aspect, the mechanism configured to transition the second switch from the ON position to the OFF position, the mechanism configured to activate the second solenoid to pull the second solenoid link through the second plunger. Engage the second ratchet associated with the second solenoid to interact with the second set of pins on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to the rotational motion. Initiate counterclockwise rotation of the disc, coupled to the central gear that rotates in the same direction. Transmit the rotational motion from the central gear to the second switch gear in the opposite direction, while restricting the movement of the first switch gear. Rotate the second switch of the contact system to turn the second switch to the OFF position. Reset the position of the second plunger loaded with the spring. Encounter the second ratchet with the first set of pins on the disc, causing to rotate along hinge point and loading a spring of the second ratchet and allow the spring of the second ratchet to reset the position in preparation for another operation, wherein the second ratchet rotation is selectively activated during the ON-OFF operation to facilitate controlled and reliable switching.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0023] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C illustrate exemplary views of the automatic transfer switch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C illustrate exemplary views of internal components of automatic transfer switch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is an exemplary operation of the mechanism illustrating the OFF position, intermediate position and ON position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D is an exemplary operation of the mechanism illustrating the OFF position, intermediate position and ON position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B is an exemplary operation of the mechanism illustrating intermediate position and ON position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0030] The present disclosure relates, in general, to low voltage switchgear, and more specifically, relates to solenoid-based automatic transfer switch mechanisms to drive an electrical switching device like transfer switches.
[0031] The present disclosure provides an automatic transfer switching mechanism that includes one or more solenoids includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first solenoid and the second solenoid convert electrical energy into linear motion. The one or more solenoids includes a pair of plungers comprising a first plunger and a second plunger mounted on corresponding solenoids responsible for pulling corresponding solenoid links and a pair of ratchets comprising a first ratchet and a second ratchet mounted on the corresponding plungers to drive a set of pins of a disc converting linear motion into rotary motion, the disc accommodated between the first solenoid and the second solenoid. The actuation of the corresponding solenoids initiates linear motion, subsequently converted to rotational motion, leading to controlled rotation of one or more switches of contact system to obtain an OFF-ON operation and ON-OFF operation respectively, and wherein velocity of the corresponding solenoids drives the one or more switches directly without charging mechanism spring, facilitating reduction in required energy and transfer time.
[0032] In an aspect, one or more solenoids are configured to receive input either through remote operation or based on a controller.
[0033] In another aspect, the one or more switches of contact system includes a first switch and a second switch initiating transfer operation between the first switch and the second switch involving the actuation of at least one solenoid of the one or more solenoids twice.
[0034] In another aspect, the disc is coupled with a central gear accommodated on a mid-housing of the mechanism, the central gear drives a pair of switch gears, that comprises a first switch gear and a second switch gear, wherein one set of teeth of the central gear is engaged with the first switch gear and other set of teeth is engaged with the second switch gear. The pair of switch gears, are selected depending on the direction of rotation of the central gear which is governed by the one or more solenoids.
[0035] In another aspect, first switch gear and the second switch gear accommodated with corresponding switch driving pins that controls the movement of associated pair of switch gears, related to the switching operation.
[0036] In another aspect, set of pins on the disc are actuated by the corresponding solenoids, wherein the set of pins, comprises a first set of pins and a second set of pins for OFF to ON operation and ON to OFF operation, respectively.
[0037] In another aspect, the mechanism configured to transition the second switch of the contact system from the OFF position to the ON position, the mechanism configured to actuate the first solenoid to pull a first solenoid link through the first plunger. Engage the first ratchet on the first solenoid to the second set of pins on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to the rotational motion. Initiate clockwise rotation of the disc, coupled to the central gear, which concurrently rotates in the same direction. Transmit the rotational motion from the central gear to the second switch gear in an opposite direction, while restricting movement of the first switch gear. Rotate the second switch of the contact system to turn the second switch to the ON position. Reset the position of the first plunger loaded with spring and obtain required velocity and profile of the contact system through the first solenoid, with stroke adjustment facilitating precise rotation of the at least one switch contact element.
[0038] In another aspect, the mechanism configured to transition the second switch from the ON position to the OFF position, the mechanism configured to activate the second solenoid to pull the second solenoid link through the second plunger. Engage the second ratchet associated with the second solenoid to interact with the second set of pins on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to the rotational motion. Initiate counterclockwise rotation of the disc, coupled to the central gear that rotates in the same direction. Transmit the rotational motion from the central gear to the second switch gear in the opposite direction, while restricting the movement of the first switch gear. Rotate the second switch of the contact system to turn the second switch to the OFF position. Reset the position of the second plunger loaded with the spring. Encounter the second ratchet with the first set of pins on the disc, causing to rotate along hinge point and loading a spring of the second ratchet and allow the spring of the second ratchet to reset the position in preparation for another operation, wherein the second ratchet rotation is selectively activated during the ON-OFF operation to facilitate controlled and reliable switching. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] The advantages achieved by the mechanism of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The mechanism converts linear solenoid motion into the desired rotation of the contact system through a carefully designed gear arrangement, ensuring precise output alignment with the contact system's requirements. This mechanism, operating directly with solenoids and eliminating the need for charging springs, optimizes overall solenoid size and force of operation, enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness. The gear arrangement not only delivers heightened momentum during contact establishment but also minimizes impact post-breaking, particularly in the OFF position. The system achieves faster and more reliable operation by utilizing the solenoid stroke directly to drive the contact system, eliminating the complexities associated with multiple linkages for torque or velocity control. Maximizing safety, the mechanism sequentially drives switches one at a time with a common linkage. Additionally, a unique ratchet arrangement for the solenoid plunger during transfer operations ensures controlled motion, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the disclosed mechanism. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0040] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C illustrate exemplary views of the automatic transfer switch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] The automatic transfer switch mechanism 100 (also referred to as mechanism 100, herein) can include cover 102, base housing 104, and contact driving pins 106 depicted in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C respectively. The mechanism 100 can include one or more solenoids (202-1, 202-2 (which are collectively referred to as solenoids 202, herein), mid housing 204, disc 206, a pair of ratchets (208-1, 208-2 (which are collectively referred to as ratchets 208, herein)) a pair of plungers (210-1, 210-2 (which are collectively referred to as plunger 210, herein)), manual assembly 212, central gear 214, one or more switch gears (216-1, 216-2 (which are collectively referred to as 216, herein)) and one or more switch driving pins (218-1, 218-2 (which are collectively referred to as switch driving pins 218, herein) shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C respectively. Cover 102, mid-housing 204, base housing 104 encloses the entire mechanism arrangement.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1A depicts a front view of the automatic transfer switch mechanism 100 that includes cover 102 displaying front operation and side operation features. The cover 102 is a protective outer casing for the automatic transfer switch mechanism 100. It provides physical protection for the internal components and helps enclose the entire mechanism.
[0043] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view, highlighting contact driving pins 106. The contact driving pins 106 are configured to drive or control the movement of the contacts within the switch mechanism. In another embodiment, FIG. 1C presents a general view of the base housing 104. The base housing 104 is a structural component that serves as the foundation or frame for the automatic transfer switch mechanism 100. It provides support and houses various internal components.
[0044] The present disclosure aims to achieve the rotation of contact system for two separate circuits in a switch, automatically sensing the incoming power supply and maintaining continuous power supply to the load. The switch ensures that only one circuit is ON at a time. To actuate one or more switches of the contact system, two solenoids 202 are employed, one for each power supply. The solenoids 202 receive input from an electronic circuit based on the health of the power source. The solenoid 202 actuates a rotary component that, based on its direction, turns on the desired switch. For a transfer operation, one solenoid 202 actuates two times, switching to another switch followed by the OFF position.
[0045] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C illustrate exemplary views of the internal components of the automatic transfer switch mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the internal components of the automatic transfer switch mechanism 100 that includes one or more solenoids (202-1, 202-2), contact driving pins 106 and manual assembly 212. The solenoids 202 are electromechanical devices that convert electrical energy into linear motion. The solenoid operation module is provided to actuate the contact systems using one or more solenoids (202-1, 202-2), which includes a first solenoid 202-1 and a second solenoid 202-2. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more solenoids (202-1, 202-2) can be two-pull type solenoids to actuate two circuits one for each source, where the two circuits are placed one above the other. Manual assembly 212 can be operated manually to control or assist in the switching process.
[0047] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2B depicts a front view of the internal components of the automatic transfer switch mechanism 100 that includes solenoids 202, mid housing 204, disc 206, the pair of ratchets (208-1, 208-2), the pair of plungers (210-1, 210-2). The mid-housing 204 is a structural component that helps to organize and encase certain internal elements of the automatic transfer switch mechanism.
[0048] The one or more solenoids 202 can include the first solenoid 202-1 and the second solenoid 202-2, the first solenoid and the second solenoid convert electrical energy into linear motion. The one or more solenoids can include the pair of plungers (210-1, 210-2) that include a first plunger 210-1 and a second plunger 210-1 mounted on corresponding solenoids responsible for pulling corresponding solenoid links (302-1, 302-2) shown in FIG. 3A. The pair of ratchets (208-1, 208-2) includes a first ratchet 208-1 and a second ratchet 208-2 mounted on the corresponding plungers (210-1, 210-2) to drive a set of pins (304-1, 304-2 (which are collectively referred to as pins 304, herein)) of the disc 206 converting linear motion into rotary motion, the disc 206 accommodated between the first solenoid 202-1 and the second solenoid 202-2. The actuation of the corresponding solenoids 202 initiates linear motion, subsequently converted to rotational motion, leading to controlled rotation of one or more switches of contact system to obtain an OFF-ON operation and ON-OFF operation respectively. The velocity of the corresponding solenoids drives the one or more switches of the contact system directly without charging a mechanism spring, facilitating a reduction in required energy and transfer time
[0049] Each solenoid 202 is provided with a ratchet kind of arrangement. The ratchet 208 is mounted on the plunger 210. The plunger 210 mounted on each solenoid 202 pulls the solenoid link (302-1, 302-2). The ratchet drives the set of pins 304 of the disc 206 converting linear motion of the solenoid into rotary motion to drive rotary contact system. The disc 206 is a rotating component accommodated between the solenoids 202 regulating the activation and deactivation of the solenoids 202. The ratchet 208 is a mechanism that likely provides one-way motion for the plunger 210 during specific operations. The plunger 210 is a component that moves linearly within the solenoid 202 and is likely engaged in the switching process, potentially interacting with the ratchet 208.
[0050] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2C depicts a rear view of the internal components of the automatic transfer switch mechanism 100 that includes mid housing 204, a central gear 214, the pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) and corresponding switch driving pins (218-1, 218-2). The pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) can include a first switch gear 216-1 and a second switch gear 216-2.
[0051] The disc 206 is positively coupled with the central gear 214 which drives the pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2). The central gear 214 is accommodated on the mid housing 204, where one set of teeth of the central gear 214 is engaged with the first switch gear 216-1 and another set of teeth is engaged with the second switch gear 216-2. The pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) drives corresponding switch driving pins (218-1, 218-2) which operates the contact system. The first switch gear 216-1 and the second switch gear 216-2 accommodated with the corresponding switch driving pins (218-1, 218-2) that control the movement of associated gears related to the switching operation. The selection of the pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) depends on the direction of rotation of the central gear 214 which is governed by solenoids 202. So, depending on solenoids the desired position is obtained.
[0052] In an embodiment, to perform a transfer operation the solenoid 202 of the opposite switch operates twice. In the first stroke, it charges the disc pin 304 and switches to the OFF position. The ratchet 208 helps the solenoid 202 to load itself for the second stroke of operation. The ratchet spring reset the ratchet position after it has moved over the second disc pin. The set of pins (304-1, 304-2) on disc are actuated by the corresponding solenoids. The set of pins (304-1, 304-2) can include a first set of pins 304-1 and second set of pins 304-2 for OFF to ON operation and ON-OFF operation of each circuit respectively.
[0053] The solenoid 202 directly actuates the driving linkages of the contact system without engaging a mechanism spring. Instead, the entire manual operation assembly 212 (also referred to as manual assembly 212, herein) rotates along with the solenoid operation. The manual assembly 212 rotates completely with disc 206 during automatic operation, which prevents the mechanical spring from getting charged and reduces the energy required for operation. During manual operation, the manual assembly may get latched and charge the spring for operation.
[0054] In an embodiment, to transition a switch e.g., second switch from the OFF position to the ON position, the mechanism is configured to actuate the first solenoid 202-1 to pull the first solenoid link 302-1 through the first plunger 210-1. Engage the first ratchet 208-1 on the first solenoid to the second set of pins 304-2 on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to the rotational motion. Initiate clockwise rotation of the disc 206, coupled to the central gear 214, which concurrently rotates in the same direction. Transmit the rotational motion from the central gear 214 to the second switch gear 216-2 in an opposite direction, while restricting the movement of the first switch gear 216-1. The second switch contact system rotates, turning the second switch to OFF position. Reset the position of the first plunger 210-1 loaded with spring and obtain the required velocity and profile of the second switch through the first solenoid (202-1), with stroke adjustment facilitating precise rotation of the contact system.
[0055] In another embodiment, to transition the switch e.g., second switch from the ON position to the OFF position, the mechanism is configured to activate the second solenoid 202-2 to pull the second solenoid link through the second plunger 210-2. Engage the second ratchet 208-2 associated with the second solenoid to interact with the second set of pins 304-2 on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to rotational motion. Initiate counterclockwise rotation of the disc, coupled to the central gear 214 that rotates in the same direction. Transmit the rotational motion from the central gear 214 to the second switch gear 216-2 in the opposite direction, while restricting the movement of the first switch gear 216-1. The second switch contact system rotates, turning the second switch to OFF position. Reset the position of the second plunger 210-2 loaded with the spring. Encounter the second ratchet 208-2 with the first set of pins 304-1 on the disc, causing to rotate along hinge point and loading a spring of the second ratchet (208-2) and allowing the spring of the second ratchet 208-2 to reset the position in preparation for another operation, wherein the second ratchet 208-2 rotation is selectively activated during the ON-OFF operation to facilitate controlled and reliable switching.
[0056] In another embodiment, the control system may include a first switch and a second switch initiating transfer operation between the first switch and the second switch, the transfer operation involves actuation of at least one solenoid of the one or more solenoids twice.
[0057] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is an exemplary operation of the mechanism illustrating the OFF position, intermediate position and ON position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3A, the mechanism is shown in the OFF position. Transitioning to FIG. 3B, the intermediate position is illustrated, and in FIG. 3C, the ON position is depicted.
[0058] The input to the solenoid 202 can be provided by remote operation or based on the controller it can switch the position. For example, for OFF-ON operation, consider one switch e.g., the second switch to be initially in the OFF position shown in FIG. 3A. To turn the second switch to the ON position, the first solenoid 202-1 is actuated, which pulls the first solenoid link 302-1 via plunger 210. The first ratchet 208-1 of the first solenoid hits the pin 304-2 on the disc 206 converting the linear motion to rotational motion. The disc rotates in the clockwise direction from a front view. The disc 206 coupled to the central gear 214 rotates in the same direction. The central gear 214 rotates the second switch gear 216-2 in the opposite direction without causing any movement of the first switch gear 216-1. The second switch contact system rotates, turning the second switch to an ON position. The spring-loaded solenoid plunger resets its position. The required velocity of contact system is achieved by the solenoid 202. The stroke of the solenoid is adjusted to profile the exact rotation of the contact system.
[0059] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D is an exemplary operation of the mechanism illustrating the OFF position, intermediate position and ON position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D illustrates the operation of the mechanism, demonstrating the OFF position depicted in FIG. 4A, first intermediate position depicted in FIG. 4B, second intermediate position depicted in FIG. 4C, and ON position shown in FIG. 4D, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0061] The input to the solenoid 202 can be provided by remote operation or based on controller it can switch the position. For example, for ON-OFF operation, consider the second switch is in the ON position depicted in FIG. 4A. To turn OFF the second switch. Opposite solenoid i.e., second solenoid 202-2 is actuated, which pulls the second solenoid link 302-1 via plunger 210. The second ratchet 208-2 of solenoid hit the pin 304-2 on disc 206 converting the linear motion to rotational motion. The disc rotates in the counterclockwise direction from a front view. Rotating the central gear 214 in the same direction. The central gear 214 rotates the second switch gear 216-2 in the opposite direction without causing any movement of the first switch gear 216-1. The second switch contact system rotates, turning the second switch to the OFF position. The spring-loaded solenoid plunger resets its position. While the return stroke the ratchet encounters another pin 304-1 on the disc, causing it to rotate along the hinge point loading the ratchet spring. Once it overcomes the pin, the spring on the ratchet resets its position and makes it ready for another operation. The ratchet rotation is only possible during ON-OFF operation.
[0062] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B is an exemplary operation of the mechanism illustrating the intermediate position and ON position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the mechanism, showcasing the intermediate position shown in FIG. 5A and ON position shown in FIG. 5B.
[0063] The process for conducting a transfer operation between the second switch and the first switch can include a two-stage process, where the solenoid 202 is actuated twice. For example, transfer operation from the second switch to the first switch, the solenoid 202 is actuated twice. In the first stage, the solenoid 202 is energized to turn OFF one switch, resembling an ON-OFF operation. Subsequently, in the second stage, the solenoid 202 is again activated to turn ON another switch, resembling an OFF-ON operation, with first switch being specifically configured to turn ON during this stage.
[0064] In an implementation, following the ON to OFF operation, the solenoid 202 prepares for a second operation. The plunger 210 spring resets the solenoid position, and the ratchet 208 spring resets the ratchet position to enable another contact with a pin on the disc 206. The disc, equipped with four pins, utilizes the first set of pins for a single solenoid. One pin 304-1 is employed for the OFF-ON operation, while another is dedicated to the ON-OFF operation of distinct switches. For instance, the second solenoid 202-2 is activated to transition the second switch to the OFF position. Subsequently, the second solenoid 202-2 is reactivated to switch the first switch to the ON position. The plunger 210 springs reset the solenoid positions.
[0065] Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and provides a mechanism that converts linear solenoid motion into the desired rotation of the contact system through a carefully designed gear arrangement, ensuring precise output alignment with the contact system's requirements. This mechanism, operating directly with solenoids and eliminating the need for charging springs, optimizes overall solenoid size and force of operation, enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness. The gear arrangement not only delivers heightened momentum during contact establishment but also minimizes impact post-breaking, particularly in the OFF position. The system achieves faster and more reliable operation by utilizing the solenoid stroke directly to drive the contact system, eliminating the complexities associated with multiple linkages for torque or velocity control. Maximizing safety, the mechanism sequentially drives switches one at a time with a common linkage. Additionally, a unique ratchet arrangement for the solenoid plunger during transfer operations ensures controlled motion, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the disclosed mechanism.
[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the mechanism 100 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0067] The present disclosure provides a mechanism in which the conversion of linear solenoid motion to the desired rotation of the contact system using gear arrangement ensures the solenoid output as per the requirement of the contact system.
[0068] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that includes a gear arrangement that delivers higher momentum during the establishment of contacts and reduces impact after breaking, especially in the OFF position.
[0069] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that operates directly with the solenoids, bypassing the need for mechanism charging springs, thereby the solenoid directly drives the contact system.
[0070] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that reduces overall size of the solenoid, and the force of operation is optimized for increased reliability and cost-effectiveness.
[0071] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that provides faster reliable operation since the solenoid stroke directly drives the contact system, eliminating the need for multiple linkages to achieve the desired torque or velocity.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that drives switches one at a time with a common linkage, maximizing the safety of the operation.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that provides unique ratchet arrangement for the solenoid plunger during transfer operations.
, Claims:1. An automatic transfer switching mechanism (100) comprising
one or more solenoids (202) comprising a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first solenoid and the second solenoid convert electrical energy into linear motion, the one or more solenoids comprising:
a pair of plungers comprising a first plunger (210-1) and a second plunger (210-1) mounted on corresponding solenoids responsible for pulling corresponding solenoid links (302-1, 302-2); and
a pair of ratchets comprising a first ratchet (208-1) and a second ratchet (208-2) mounted on the corresponding plungers (210-1, 210-2) to drive a set of pins (304-1, 304-2) of a disc (206) converting linear motion into rotary motion, the disc accommodated between the first solenoid and the second solenoid,
wherein actuation of the corresponding solenoids initiates the linear motion, subsequently converted to rotational motion, leading to controlled rotation of one or more switches of a contact system to obtain an OFF-ON operation and ON-OFF operation respectively, and wherein a velocity of the corresponding solenoids drives the one or more switches directly without charging a mechanism spring, facilitating a reduction in required energy and transfer time.

2. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more solenoids (202-1, 202-2) are configured to receive input either through remote operation or based on a controller.

3. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disc (206) is coupled with a central gear (214) accommodated on a mid-housing (204) of the mechanism, the central gear (214) drives a pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) that comprises a first switch gear (216-1) and a second switch gear (216-2), wherein one set of teeth of the central gear (214) is engaged with the first switch gear (216-1) and another set of teeth is engaged with the second switch gear (216-2).

4. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) are selected depending on the direction of rotation of the central gear which is governed by the one or more solenoids.

5. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switch gear (216-1) and the second switch gear (216-2) are accommodated with corresponding switch driving pins (218-1, 218-2) that control the movement of associated pair of switch gears (216-1, 216-2) related to the switching operation.

6. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of pins (304-1, 304-2) on the disc are actuated by the corresponding solenoids, wherein the set of pins (304-1, 304-2) comprises a first set of pins (304-1) and second set of pins (304-2) for OFF to ON operation and ON to OFF operation.

7. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more switches of the contact system comprises a first switch and a second switch initiating transfer operation between the first switch and the second switch, wherein the transfer operation involves actuation of at least one solenoid of the one or more solenoids twice.

8. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism is configured to transition the second switch of the contact system from the OFF position to the ON position, the mechanism configured to:
actuate the first solenoid (202-1) to pull a first solenoid link (302-1) through the first plunger (210-1);
engage the first ratchet (208-1) on the first solenoid to the second set of pins (304-2) on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to rotational motion;
initiate clockwise rotation of the disc (206), coupled to the central gear (214), which concurrently rotates in the same direction;
transmit the rotational motion from the central gear (214) to the second switch gear (216-2) in an opposite direction, while restricting movement of the first switch gear (216-1);
rotate the second switch of the contact system to turn the second switch to the ON position;
reset the position of the first plunger (210-1) loaded with spring; and
obtain required velocity and profile of the second switch through the first solenoid (202-1), with stroke adjustment facilitating precise rotation of the contact system.

9. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism is configured to transition the second switch of the contact system from the ON position to the OFF position, the mechanism configured to:
activate the second solenoid (202-2) to pull the second solenoid link (302-2) through the second plunger (210-2);
engage the second ratchet (208-2) associated with the second solenoid to interact with the second set of pins on the disc, thereby converting linear motion to the rotational motion;
initiate counterclockwise rotation of the disc, coupled to the central gear (214) that rotates in the same direction;
transmit the rotational motion from the central gear (214) to the second switch gear (216-2) in the opposite direction, while restricting the movement of the first switch gear (216-1);
rotate the second switch of the contact system to turn the second switch to the OFF position;
reset the position of the second plunger (210-2) loaded with the spring;
encounter the second ratchet (208-2) with the first set of pins (304-2) on the disc, causing to rotate along hinge point and loading a spring of the second ratchet (208-2); and
allow the spring of the second ratchet (208-2) to reset the position in preparation for another operation, wherein the second ratchet (208-2) rotation is selectively activated during the ON-OFF operation to facilitate controlled and reliable switching.