Cable Core Short-Circuit Ring for Backflow Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

During repair work on voltage cables, electricity can flow back into the network from the consumer side, posing life-threatening risks due to existing short-circuiting methods that do not effectively isolate the cores.

Innovation Solution

A short-circuiting device with releasable ring parts and conductive components that securely connect the cable cores to an electrically conductive ring, allowing safe absorption of forces and ensuring electrical isolation by using a cross-shaped support and press-through contacts to connect the cores effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional short-circuiting methods are used, then electrical connection is established, but worker safety is compromised due to inability to prevent backflow of electricity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker safetyVSAvoidbackflow of electricity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The short-circuiting device is divided into multiple independent clamp elements (first clamp element, second clamp element, etc.) that can be separately applied to different cores. Each clamp element independently establishes electrical connection with its respective core, allowing systematic and complete short-circuiting of all cores including neutral and phase conductors, thereby preventing backflow of electricity and ensuring worker safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The short-circuiting device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can short-circuit multiple types of conductors (neutral conductor, phase conductors) simultaneously using multiple clamp elements. The device provides universal applicability for different core configurations and ensures complete electrical isolation from both sides of the cable joint, addressing the limitation of traditional single-function short-circuiting methods.

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

2Strength

If releasable ring parts are used to connect cores, then electrical connection is established and forces are absorbed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorptionVSAvoidstructure of short-circuiting device
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs ring parts with curved or annular geometry that naturally absorb and distribute mechanical forces generated during short-circuiting. The circular shape of the rings provides structural strength to withstand electromagnetic forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture, avoiding the need for complex force-distribution mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp elements are integrated with the ring parts to form a unified structure where the clamp elements attach to the rings. This merging of components allows the device to achieve both electrical connection functionality and mechanical force absorption capability without requiring separate independent systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple clamp elements are used to secure cores, then electrical connection is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidinstallation and removal process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple independently adjustable clamp elements, each capable of being individually positioned and secured around its respective core. This segmentation allows operators to work on one core at a time, simplifying the installation process compared to attempting to secure multiple cores simultaneously, while ensuring reliable electrical connection for each core.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp elements are designed with movable or adjustable characteristics that allow dynamic positioning and adaptation to different core sizes and positions. This dynamic capability facilitates easier operation during installation and removal, as each clamp element can be independently adjusted without affecting the others, maintaining ease of operation despite the multi-element design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables safe and efficient repair work by preventing backflow of electricity, ensuring worker safety and efficient connection/disconnection of cable cores.

Implementation Method 1

the ring parts are configured to connect the cores in electrically conductive manner to the electrically conductive ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3713017B1Short-circuiting device
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 BATENBURG ENERGIETECHNIEK BV
  • EP3713017B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3713017B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP3713017B1 patent drawingFigure 1F~1G

AI summary

Short-circuiting device for short-circuiting cores of a voltage cable relative to each other, with the feature that the short-circuiting device comprises an electrically conductive ring, wherein the short-circuiting device is provided with at least two releasable ring parts which can be arranged round cores of the voltage cable, wherein in mounted state the ring parts are configured to connect the cores in electrically conductive manner to the electrically conductive ring.