Coupling Device with Plastic Damping for High Voltage Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage equipment requires effective seismic load management without overloading post insulators, and existing solutions like flexible joints and cross bracings have limitations such as high costs, leakage issues, and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a joint and parallel damping elements that deform plastically to absorb kinetic energy, allowing adjustable stiffness and damping characteristics, thereby reducing bending moments on post insulators and enhancing seismic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic dampers are used to damp joint movements, then damping function is improved, but cost increases and leakage problems occur requiring service
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced after use. It uses basic mechanical elements (rod, housing, orifice) rather than complex hydraulic systems, making it a cost-effective disposable solution that eliminates leakage and service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic damping systems with a purely mechanical damping element. The damping effect is achieved through controlled plastic deformation and friction in a simple mechanical structure, eliminating the need for hydraulics, seals, and associated maintenance.
2Strength
If cross bracings are used to handle seismic loads, then load carrying capacity is improved, but very high loads are introduced to attachment points and insulators
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the support members and the damping function. It provides a controlled compliance mechanism that absorbs seismic energy through the damping element, reducing the transmission of high loads to attachment points while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device changes the mechanical parameters (stiffness, damping) of the connection between support members. By adjusting the damping element characteristics, the system can optimize the balance between seismic load capacity and protection of attachment points from excessive loads.
3Stress or pressure
If fully flexible joints are used between post insulators and equipment, then bending moment on insulators is reduced, but load carrying capacity of post insulators is not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device introduces dynamic characteristics to the connection, allowing it to adapt its stiffness and damping properties during seismic events. The damping element provides controlled energy dissipation while the joint maintains load carrying capacity, optimizing the utilization of post insulator strength while protecting against excessive bending moments.
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
The coupling device effectively dampens movements, reduces lateral sway, and extends the service life of support structures for high voltage units by optimizing load distribution and reducing the need for stiff cross bracings, while being cost-effective and simple to produce.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one damping element is configured to deform plastically by a relative rotation between the support members about the at least one rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
The phase of elastic (i.e. reversible) deformation of the at least one damping element reflects the stiffness of the coupling device
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling device (10) comprising two support members (12); a joint (14) connecting the two support members (12) and allowing relative rotation between the support members (12) about at least one rotational axis (20, 22); and at least one damping element (24) connecting the two support members (12) in parallel with the joint (14); wherein the at least one damping element (24) is configured to deform plastically by a relative rotation between the support members (12) about the at least one rotational axis (20, 22). A support structure (36) for supporting a mass, a method for adjusting the stiffness of a coupling device (10) and a method for providing stiffness to a coupling device (10) are also provided.