Elastomeric Insulating Body with Embedded Support Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing end closures for high voltage cables have complex and expensive support structures with numerous components that are difficult to manufacture and assemble, requiring multiple connections and sealing measures.

Innovation Solution

An elastomeric insulating body with embedded, self-supporting electrically insulating rods or bars that stabilize the body, allowing it to be easily deformed around cables without protruding components, reducing weight and complexity by eliminating external connections and using the material itself as a sealant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a complex support structure with multiple components and connections is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are integrated directly into the insulating body as embedded components, merging the support function with the insulating structure. This eliminates the need for separate support structures and their associated connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural stability through the embedded arrangement of support elements within the insulating material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If multiple components and connections are used, then the structural support is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are embedded within the insulating body during the manufacturing process, combining the support structure with the insulating component into a single integrated part. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and connections, making manufacturing easier while maintaining structural support through the embedded support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple sealing measures and connections are used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating body material itself serves as the sealing medium, merging the sealing function with the insulating structure. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and measures, reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the inherent properties of the elastomeric insulating material that provides both insulation and sealing functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid support structure is used, then the stability is improved, but the ease of deformation for cable installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating body is made from elastomeric material that can change its physical properties during installation. The material allows temporary deformation under mechanical stress to accommodate cable installation, then returns to its stable form afterward. This parameter change enables both ease of deformation during installation and structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are arranged to provide dynamic stability rather than rigid fixation. The elastomeric material with embedded support elements can deform dynamically during installation to accommodate cables, then maintains stable structural support during operation. The embedded support elements provide stability without creating rigid constraints that would prevent deformation.

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

The solution results in a lightweight, low-component structure that is easier to manufacture and assemble, with reduced need for external sealing and connections, while maintaining effective electrical insulation and field control.

Implementation Method 1

The insulating body is designed to be elastic or has an elastomeric material or is made from such a material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3491706B1Device having an insulating body made of plastic
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 ABB KABEL UND DRAHT GMBH
  • EP3491706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3491706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3491706B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device, comprising an insulating body (2, 2', 2") made of plastic, wherein in the insulating body (2, 2', 2"), a cable receptacle (3) for a cable is formed. In a head portion (4) of the insulating body (2, 2'), a conductor receptacle (5) for a conductor bolt (19) is arranged, wherein the insulating body (2, 2', 2") is of elastic design or has an elastomeric material, or is made of such a material. Inside the insulating body (2, 2', 2"), a plurality of support elements (9) are accommodated, wherein the support elements (9) are made of an electrically insulating material. The aim of the invention is to provide a device, which is suitable for use as an end closure or lead-through, with the lowest weight possible and low-component construction, and which can be produced and installed as problem-free as possible. The device is characterized in that the support elements (9) are formed as rods or poles, and are arranged in a self-supporting manner, at least in the head portion (4), and are thereby located inside the insulating body (2, 2'), and are embedded therein. The supporting elements (9) terminate with a free end in the insulating body (2, 2') without emerging therefrom.