DC Disconnector Contact Assembly for Alignment and Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disconnectors in high current applications face issues with deformation, corrosion of conducting blades and electrical contacts, leading to costly and difficult maintenance, and misalignment of conductor blades, which complicates servicing and reduces their operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A DC disconnector design featuring a static electrical contact with individually replaceable contact elements and a moveable electrical contact system, including a shaft and eccentric component, that adjusts contact pressure and alignment, allowing for easy maintenance and alignment adjustments to prevent misalignment and corrosion, and includes spacers and contact pressure modules to ensure consistent contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single electrical contact is used in DC disconnectors, then the device structure is simple, but maintenance and replacement are difficult and expensive when corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact is divided into multiple contact elements that can be individually replaced. Each contact element is a separate component that can be accessed and replaced independently without replacing the entire electrical contact assembly, thereby reducing maintenance complexity and cost while improving ease of repair
2Adaptability or versatility
If conductor blades are made deformable to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability to installation variations is improved, but alignment precision during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor blade is segmented into multiple sections with articulation points between them. These articulation points allow individual sections to move relative to each other, accommodating misalignment while maintaining precise electrical contact at the contact elements. This segmentation enables the blade to adapt to installation variations without compromising operational alignment precision
3Reliability
If conductor blades are made rigid for stable electrical contact, then contact stability is improved, but ability to accommodate deformation and misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid conductor blade is divided into multiple rigid sections connected by articulation points. Each section maintains structural rigidity for stable electrical contact, while the articulation points between sections provide the flexibility needed to accommodate deformation and misalignment. This segmented approach allows the system to exhibit both rigidity where needed and flexibility where required
4Reliability
If contact elements are made of pure silver for best electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but cost and susceptibility to corrosion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are constructed as composite structures with a silver-plated surface layer over a copper or copper-alloy base. The silver plating provides excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance at the contact surface, while the copper base provides structural support and cost-effectiveness. This composite material approach delivers both high conductivity and corrosion resistance while reducing material cost
Data Source
AI summary
A DC disconnector comprising a static electrical contact, at least one moveable electrical contact comprising a plurality of conductor blades, and a shaft, coupled to the movable electrical contact. The shaft is configured to actuate the moveable electrical contact between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein at least a portion of each conductor blade abuts the static electrical contact in the first configuration, and wherein the plurality of conductor blades are displaced from the static electrical contact in the second configuration. The Disconnector further comprises at least one of a plurality of features, including (i) wherein the static electrical contact comprises plurality of contact elements; (ii) wherein the shaft is coupled to the moveable electrical contact by an eccentric component; (iii) wherein the moveable electrical contact comprises a plurality of spacers arranged in between the conductor blades; (iv) wherein the position of the shaft axis is adjustable; and (v) wherein the conductor blades are configured to be removable from the Disconnector.