Busbar Section Isolator with Rigid Composite Insulator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing section isolating devices for conductor rail overhead line systems suffer from fluctuations in contact force due to rigid conductor rails, leading to reduced travel quality, and are not suitable for higher voltage ranges, as they require expensive special insulators and are prone to damage from spark flashovers.
Innovation Solution
A section separating device with a rigid standard composite insulator attached to busbars, maintaining consistent flexural rigidity, using standard insulators, and featuring adjustable skids and offset spark horns to minimize wear and ensure a constant electrical air gap, allowing for precise adjustment and installation at any point along the conductor rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid conductor rails are used to maintain structural stability, then the overall height is reduced and structural strength is improved, but pantograph vibrations increase and contact force fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid conductor rail is segmented into multiple sections with insulators positioned between them. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall structural strength while introducing flexibility at specific points to reduce pantograph vibrations and stabilize contact force during traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator is designed with non-uniform geometry, featuring a wider base section for mechanical support and a narrower upper section for electrical isolation. This local variation in geometry optimizes both the mechanical strength requirement and the vibration reduction function at different locations of the same component.
2Reliability
If special insulators are used to bridge the gap between conductor rail sections, then electrical insulation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator is designed to simultaneously fulfill multiple functions: providing electrical insulation between conductor rail sections, mechanically supporting the conductor rail, and reducing pantograph vibrations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator design uses standardized geometric forms and materials that can be replicated across multiple installations. The modular design allows for easy copying and standardization, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling cost-effective production.
3Reliability
If the insulator is positioned directly at the level of the current collector, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the insulator becomes vulnerable to spark flashover damage
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator is positioned vertically above the gap between conductor rail sections rather than horizontally at the level of the current collector. This vertical positioning in a different spatial dimension maintains electrical isolation while removing the insulator from the direct path of potential spark flashovers.
Solution Approach 2:
Air acts as an intermediary medium for electrical isolation, replacing the need for a solid insulator material directly in the current collector's path. The air gap provides sufficient electrical insulation while protecting any solid insulator components from direct exposure to spark flashovers.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a track isolating device (1) for a busbar overhead line installation for feeding power to an electrical locomotive. In this case, a first busbar (2) of a first feed section and a second busbar (2') of a second feed section, which is electrically isolated from the first, are arranged one behind the other, aligned in a line, at a bridging interval (1). An electrical isolator (4) is arranged between the busbars (2, 2'). Skids (9) are provided in order to guide an electrical pickup on the locomotive between the busbars (2, 2'). Stark horns (14, 15) are used for arc dissipation. Since the isolator (4) is designed to be hard to bend and is attached to the busbars (2, 2') such that the bending stiffness in the area of the bridging separation (1) corresponds to that of the busbars (2, 2'), this improves the drive quality of a track isolating device for busbar overhead-line installations.