Encapsulated Electrical Interconnection for Compact Switchgear Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical switchgear designs face challenges in compactness, cost, and weight due to the need for extensive solid insulation, which can lead to increased dimensions, high material costs, and potential issues with partial discharges.

Innovation Solution

An electrical interconnection device configured in a single part made of insulating material, incorporating input and output connection points and electrical connections, which reduces the insulation distance between phases and allows for modular assembly and flexible phase configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extensive solid insulation is used to maintain insulation distance between phases, then insulation reliability is improved, but device volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated insulating component that serves as both the insulation barrier and the structural support for electrical connections. The insulating body integrates busbar supports, connection terminals, and phase separation functions, eliminating the need for separate insulation elements and reducing overall device volume while maintaining adequate insulation distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a streamlined insulating body design with optimized geometry that provides effective insulation with reduced material thickness. The insulating component features integrated recesses and protrusions that maintain phase separation while minimizing the overall volume of insulation material required, achieving reliable insulation with compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If extensive solid insulation is used to maintain insulation distance between phases, then insulation reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single insulating component that can be manufactured as one piece, eliminating the need for assembling multiple separate insulation elements. This monolithic design reduces manufacturing complexity, lowers material costs, and simplifies production while ensuring consistent insulation quality and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical insulation, mechanical support for busbars, mounting structures for connections, and phase separation. This universal design reduces the total quantity of insulation material needed and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby reducing costs while maintaining insulation reliability.

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

3Volume of moving object

If gas insulation is used to reduce insulation distance, then device volume is reduced, but insulation effectiveness decreases in low-pressure environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidinsulation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an optimized insulating body design with integrated features that maintain effective phase separation and insulation in compact configurations. The insulating component includes recesses and protrusions that ensure adequate clearance and dielectric strength even when device volume is reduced, providing reliable insulation without requiring high-pressure gas environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 achieves a compact, cost-effective, and lightweight electrical switchgear with maintained insulation between phases, even in low-pressure air environments, thereby reducing the need for high-pressure container designs and associated costs.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical interconnection device is configured in a part made of insulating material or insulated with an insulating material that incorporates said input and output connection points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

Depending on the insulating gas used, due to its dielectric strength, the distances between phases will be greater or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric strength: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP4542799A1Electrical interconnection device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ORMAZABAL Y CIA SLU
  • EP4542799A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542799A1 patent drawingFigure 2A-B
  • EP4542799A1 patent drawingFigure 3C-D

AI summary

The present invention refers to an electrical interconnection device (1) used in the distribution of electrical energy, including electrical transformation centers and substations. This device facilitates the interconnection of at least a first electrical element (2) and a second electrical element (3), such as a switch and a fuse, even in gas atmospheres with low dielectric properties. This device is characterized by having at least one input connection point (4, 4') and one output connection point (5, 5'), electrically interconnecting the two elements. The device (1) is housed in a part (7) made of insulating material, wherein the connection points (4, 4', 5, 5') and at least one electrical connection (8, 9) are encapsulated. With this invention, it is expected to solve problems associated with the electrical interconnection in said installations.