Articulating Frame Structure for Manual High-Voltage Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional reconfigurable frames for mobile electrical apparatuses require significant force to collapse and expand, are inefficient for high-voltage applications, and rely on sliding beam members that increase material usage and complexity, making them impractical for higher voltage ratings.
Innovation Solution
An articulating frame design that uses rotating base portions instead of sliding beam members, allowing for a compact transport configuration and expanded working configuration, with locking mechanisms and dampers to facilitate manual transition between arrangements without motors, suitable for higher voltage applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sliding beam members are used for frame reconfiguration, then the frame can be collapsed and expanded, but significant force is required and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static sliding beam members with dynamic articulating base portions that rotate on pins. This allows the frame to transition between expanded and collapsed configurations through rotational motion rather than linear sliding, reducing the force required for reconfiguration while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of motion from linear (sliding beams) to rotational (articulating base portions on pins). By allowing base portions to rotate in an arc, the frame achieves reconfiguration capability with reduced force requirements and improved mechanical efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sliding beam members are used for frame reconfiguration, then the frame can be collapsed and expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into modular components: support structures, base portions, and articulating members connected by pins. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (support, articulate, connect) independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reconfiguration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic articulating connections with pins instead of complex sliding mechanisms. Each base portion rotates independently on its pin, creating a simple yet effective reconfiguration system that reduces structural complexity compared to traditional sliding beam designs.
3Volume of moving object
If base portions are rotated to compact configuration, then transportation efficiency improves, but electrical separation distance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides dynamic positioning of base portions through rotation, allowing the electrical apparatus to be placed in either an expanded configuration (maintaining dielectric breakdown distance for operation) or a collapsed configuration (minimizing width for transportation). The articulating mechanism enables safe transition between these states.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameters of the frame by rotating base portions between extreme positions. In the expanded position, sufficient separation distance is maintained for electrical safety; in the collapsed position, the width is minimized for efficient transportation, achieving both safety and logistics requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for an electrical apparatus includes: a plurality of support structures configured to hold one phase component of the electrical apparatus; and a plurality of base portions. Each base portion is connected to first joint assembly on a first one of the plurality of support structures and to a second joint assembly on a second one of the plurality of support structures. Each base portion is configured to rotate about a joint in the first joint assembly and a joint in the second joint assembly between a working position and a transport position.