Angled Intermediate Connector for Shallow-Buried Switchgear Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switchgear cabinet installations require power cables to be buried deep in the ground due to their large bending radius, making the installation process time-consuming, expensive, and increasing excavation costs, as the cables need to be accessible for connector attachment.
Innovation Solution
An angled intermediate connector with a self-locking mechanism allows for the connection of power cables to switchgear bushings at a shallow depth, enabling cable laying just 200 mm below ground, and permits connection without direct access to the cable, using a spacer element and sliding-contact connectors with a thermoplastic compressible fixing ring for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If power cables are buried deep in the ground to accommodate their large bending radius, then the cables can be laid out properly, but the installation becomes time-consuming and expensive with increased excavation costs
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate connector is introduced as a mediator between the power cable and the switchgear cabinet. This connector includes a first receiving region for the power cable and a second receiving region for the vertical cable, enabling the cable to change direction without requiring a large bending radius in the ground. The intermediate connector effectively transfers the mechanical constraint from the cable to the connector itself, which is designed to accommodate the angular transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional vertical burial approach to a two-dimensional angular connection approach. Instead of continuing the cable vertically deep into the ground, the intermediate connector enables the cable to transition to a horizontal or angled path, utilizing spatial dimensions more efficiently and reducing the required burial depth.
2Stability of the object's composition
If power cables are buried deep in the ground, then the bending radius requirement is met, but excavation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connector serves as a mediator that absorbs the bending radius requirement, eliminating the need for deep excavation. The connector's internal geometry is designed to accommodate the cable's bending requirements, transferring the constraint from the installation environment to the connector design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the geometric parameters of the connection system by introducing an angular connector with specific receiving regions. This parameter change allows the cable layout to deviate from the traditional vertical deep-burial approach, reducing excavation volume and cost while maintaining cable integrity.
3Ease of operation
If cables need to be accessible for connector attachment, then connection can be made, but the installation process becomes complex and requires direct access to the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is prepared in advance with its receiving regions and locking mechanisms in place. The power cable is attached to the intermediate connector before final installation, and the self-locking mechanism automatically secures the connection when the vertical cable is inserted, eliminating the need for complex on-site adjustments or direct cable access during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism performs the connection securing function automatically without requiring manual intervention or direct access to the cable. When the vertical cable is inserted into the second receiving region, the locking mechanism engages automatically, making the system self-servicing and simplifying the installation process.
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 reduces excavation costs, simplifies the installation process, and allows for more flexible cable preparation and connection, enhancing the reliability and safety of high-voltage power cable connections by enabling cable laying at a shallow depth and self-installing connections.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoplastic compressible fixing ring for secure locking
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector arrangement for connecting a power cable to a second cable, and further relates to a method for installing a switchgear cabinet. The electrical connector arrangement (100) comprises an angled intermediate connector (102), that comprises at least one first arm (122) and at least one second arm (124), the first arm (122) and the second arm (124) enclosing an angle with a nonzero value different from 180°, wherein the first arm (122) comprises a first cable connector element (106) for receiving a matching second cable connector element (110) attached to the power cable (112), and the second arm (124) comprises a first sliding-contact connector element (126) that is to be connected to a matching second sliding-contact connector element (130) attached to the second cable (128), the first cable connector element (106) and the first sliding-contact connector element (126) being electrically connected with each other, and wherein the angled intermediate connector (102) further comprises an electrically insulating cover (142) for protecting the first cable connector element (106) and the first sliding-contact connector element (126).