B.Tech Project: Mechanical Logic Gates and their Application in Switchgear Design



Abstract



There exist mechanical systems in which the input link, output link and other links of interest have only two positions of interest- 0 or 1, OFF or ON. The intermediate positions of these links are not of primary importance in the preliminary design/type synthesis. These systems called BINARY SYSTEMS are widely studied in the fields of Boolean Algebra, Electronics and Computer Science, but are never applied in Kinematics.
In this report, we look at mechanical binary systems, starting with mechanical logic gates and their applications. The focus of this report is on a particular application of these systems in the design of switchgear arrangements.


Conclusion



We have looked into several mechanical binary systems and their characteristics. Mechanisms for achieving functions of binary variables namely the NOT, AND, OR and other logic gates have also been considered. Using these gates the switchgear mechanisms have been successfully generated. This is the most prominent advantage of logic gates in design- ``Type synthesis of a certain class of mechanisms where the links of interest have only two(or more but finite) positions of interest.'' A few other applications of mechanical binary systems have also been discussed.


Future Work



The type synthesis and number synthesis of the switchgear mechanisms has been done. Future work will be based on the dimensional synthesis, designing, modelling and fabrication of these mechanisms. This will be followed by testing of these mechanism if time and facilities permit.
In this report the application of binary systems to designing of mechanisms other than the switchgear mechanism has not been mentioned. An attempt will be made to identify a class of situations in which this design procedure can be applied.
An attempt will be made to classify the existing switchgears on the basis of number of links, types of links, number of springs, attachment of springs, different features like trip upon closure, distinction between opening and tripping operations, mode of charging etc. to get a better understanding of the proposed framework. Then all these mechanisms will be explained with respect to the proposed framework.