Bushing Accessory Support With Independent 3-Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mounting systems for accessory equipment units, such as current transformer units, on bushing units with insulator parts are inflexible, making alignment and installation difficult, especially when multiple units are required, and can cause damage due to contact with bellows couplings during movement.

Innovation Solution

A modular support system with aligning means that allows separate alignment and adjustment of accessory equipment units in three directions (vertical, horizontal, and oblique) using adjustment slots and counter elements, integrated with the bushing to facilitate easy mounting, adjustment, and maintenance, preventing accidental contact with bellows couplings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If dedicated supports are designed and constructed for each type of bushing and application, then the mounting precision and alignment of accessory equipment units is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsupport design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of accessory equipment units (current transformers, voltage transformers, etc.) on different bushing configurations. The standardized mounting interface and adjustable positioning mechanisms allow the same support design to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for dedicated supports for each bushing type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into modular components including a base plate, adjustable positioning elements, and separate mounting brackets. This segmentation allows for easy assembly, adjustment, and adaptation to different configurations without redesigning the entire support system, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If accessory equipment units are fixed to the base of the bushing, then the mounting stability is improved, but the ease of operation for alignment and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidalignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms with movable components that allow alignment adjustments before final fixation. The design includes adjustable brackets and positioning elements that can be moved to different positions during installation, providing dynamic adaptability for precise alignment while ensuring stable fixed mounting once positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessory equipment units are mounted on the base, then the functionality is improved, but the difficulty of detection and measurement of proper alignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidalignment detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates visual alignment indicators such as colored markings, alignment pins with visible indicators, or contrasting color schemes on the mounting surfaces. These visual cues make it easy to detect when accessory equipment units are properly aligned with the conductor and bushing, even when multiple units are installed, by providing clear visual feedback for correct positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Strength

If the support structure is integrated with the base of the bushing, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement of accessory equipment units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed as a separate modular component that interfaces with the bushing base through standardized connection elements. This segmentation allows the support and accessory equipment units to be removed as a module for maintenance or replacement without damaging or disassembling the bushing base itself, maintaining structural integrity while facilitating easy repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3979266B1Support for mounting an accessory equipment assembly to a base of bushing, a corresponding accessory equipment module, and bushing
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3979266B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3979266B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a support (38) for mounting an accessory equipment assembly (32) with one or more accessory equipment units (34, 36), especially current transformer units, to a base (22) of a bushing (16) comprising a conductor (18) surrounded by an insulator part (20) such that each of the accessory equipment units (34, 36) is positioned in a defined way regarding the conductor (18), wherein said support (38) comprises aligning means (50, 52) for aligning each individual accessory equipment unit (34, 36) separately with respect to the conductor (18). The further invention relates to a corresponding accessory equipment module (26) comprising an accessory equipment assembly (32) with one or more accessory equipment units (34, 36), especially current transformer units, and a support (38) for mounting the accessory equipment assembly (32) as well as a bushing unit (10) comprising a bushing (16) and said kind of accessory equipment module (26).