Multi-Part Bushing Assembly for Sealed Housing Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushing designs for electrical equipment, such as capacitors, do not allow for easy replacement of damaged bushing members after the capacitor unit is sealed, as the inner nut is inaccessible once the lid is welded, leading to the need for replacing the entire unit.
Innovation Solution
A bushing assembly comprising multiple first bushing members with radial protrusions to prevent movement through openings and a second bushing member for secure attachment, allowing for releasable connection without exposing the second bushing member outside the housing, enabling replacement without disassembling the sealed unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is welded onto the rest of the capacitor housing, then the capacitor unit is sealed and protected, but the inner nut becomes inaccessible and the outer bushing member cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly is divided into multiple independent components: an outer bushing member, an inner bushing member, and a retention member. This segmentation allows the outer bushing to be replaced by accessing only the retention member through the sealed housing, without needing to open the lid or access the inner bushing member directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing assembly uses a nested structure where the inner bushing member is positioned within the outer bushing member, and the retention member secures the inner bushing. This nested arrangement allows the retention member to be accessed from the outside through the sealed housing while still providing secure attachment of both bushing members.
2Strength
If the outer bushing member is secured by screwing the inner bushing member onto a threaded portion, then the bushing is firmly attached, but the entire unit must be replaced if the outer bushing is damaged after sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into a retention member that threads onto the inner bushing member and engages with the outer bushing member. This segmentation allows the outer bushing to be independently replaced by manipulating only the retention member through the sealed housing opening, while the inner bushing member and threaded connection remain intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member acts as an intermediary component between the inner and outer bushing members. It provides the threaded connection point that can be accessed from outside the sealed housing, allowing the outer bushing to be secured or replaced without direct access to the inner bushing or the threaded portion itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second bushing member is positioned inside the sealed housing, then it is protected from damage, but it cannot be accessed for manual securing during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly is segmented so that the retention member can be manipulated through the sealed housing opening to secure the second bushing member from the outside. This allows the second bushing member to remain positioned inside the sealed housing for protection while still being accessible for assembly operations through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member serves as an intermediary that translates external manipulation into internal securing action. It can be inserted through the sealed housing opening, engaged with the inner bushing member, and used to secure the outer bushing member, all without requiring direct access to the second bushing member inside the housing.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8
AI summary
A bushing assembly (1) for mounting in openings (2) of a panel (3) of a housing (4) for electrical equipment, such as a capacitor housing. The bushing assembly (1) comprises a plurality of first bushing members (5) releasably attachable through a respective one of said openings (2) of the panel (3) to a single second bushing member (11) positioned on an inside of the panel inside the housing (4).