Substation Disconnector Immobilization Device with Shaft Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substation disconnector immobilization devices are complex, insecure, and difficult to install or remove, often affecting the disconnector's structure and requiring placement in high-voltage, hard-to-reach areas, necessitating additional electrical isolation for safe intervention.

Innovation Solution

A device with a main holding body and two clamps – one for anchoring to the disconnector's supporting frame and another for immobilizing the rotating drive shaft – allowing easy installation and removal, secure immobilization in open or closed positions, and offset from sensitive areas, using a simple mechanical mechanism with adjustable clamping and locking features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex electromechanical mechanism surrounding the rotating drive shaft is used for immobilization, then the disconnector can be immobilized securely, but the device becomes difficult to install and remove and affects the disconnector structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization securityVSAvoidimmobilization device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The immobilization device is divided into separate functional components: a clamp for securing the disconnector pole and a locking mechanism for the drive shaft. These segments can be independently installed and removed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining immobilization security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The immobilization function is extracted from the disconnector structure itself and implemented as a separate, removable device. The clamp and locking mechanism are independent components that do not modify the disconnector structure, allowing easy installation and removal while maintaining secure immobilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the immobilization device is placed near the disconnector base, then it can effectively immobilize the disconnector, but it requires placement in high-voltage areas at height accessible only by ladder, necessitating additional electrical isolation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization effectivenessVSAvoidelectrical isolation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The immobilization device utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the drive shaft downward outside the high-voltage area. The locking mechanism is positioned at a lower elevation where electrical isolation is not required, while still effectively immobilizing the disconnector through the extended shaft connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The extended drive shaft acts as an intermediary element, transmitting the immobilization force from the safe, low-voltage area to the disconnector in the high-voltage area. This allows the locking mechanism to be positioned away from electrical hazards while maintaining effective control over the disconnector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a gradual opening and closing gear-driven mechanism is used, then the device is simpler and easier to operate, but it is not very secure and cannot be simply placed or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidimmobilization security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disconnector is first opened or closed to the desired position, and then the immobilization device is applied to lock it in place. This preliminary positioning followed by secure locking ensures both ease of operation and reliable immobilization, avoiding the need for complex gradual mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The immobilization device transitions from a static, permanently installed structure to a dynamic, removable system. The clamp and locking mechanism can be quickly applied and removed, providing both operational flexibility and secure immobilization when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4350730A1Device for immobilising an electrical substation disconnector of an electrical network
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 RTE RESEAU DE TRANSPORT DELECTRICITE
  • EP4350730A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4350730A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4350730A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This device (10) for immobilizing a disconnector (86) in an electrical substation of an electrical network comprises a main retaining body (12) and means for immobilizing the disconnector (86). The immobilizing means include a first clamp (14) for anchoring the main retaining body (12) to a frame (16) supporting the disconnector (86), which is fixed to the main retaining body (12). They also include a second clamp (18) for preventing rotation of a shaft (20) that drives the disconnector (86), which is also fixed to the main retaining body (12).