Extender Fixing Dielectric Shield in Vacuum Cartridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing dielectric shields on vacuum cartridges require machining of ceramic enclosures, separate steps for welding and closing, and do not ensure secure rotation, leading to inefficiencies and tooling-specific centering and welding processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an extender that exerts forces to position and secure elements by friction, followed by welding operations between the extender and both the element and the part, allowing for single-step assembly and fixing without prior machining, using radial forces to center and secure dielectric shields and contact pads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If machining is performed on the ceramic enclosure to fix the dielectric shield, then the shield can be securely fixed, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshield fixation securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (the extender or positioning element) that mediates between the dielectric shield and the ceramic enclosure. This extender provides a mechanical interface for fixation without requiring direct machining of the ceramic enclosure, thereby maintaining fixation security while simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation system is segmented into separate components: the dielectric shield, the extender/positioning element, and the ceramic enclosure. This allows the extender to be designed and manufactured separately with appropriate fixing features, eliminating the need to machine the ceramic enclosure directly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate steps are used for welding and closing operations, then each operation can be optimized, but the production time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation optimizationVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the welding operation and the closing operation into a single integrated step. The extender component is designed to enable both operations to be performed simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and thereby reducing production time while maintaining operational quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the dielectric shield is fixed without rotation security, then the assembly process is simpler, but the functional reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidrotation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The extender acts as an intermediary that provides rotational security to the dielectric shield. It includes features such as ribs or positioning elements that engage with corresponding features on the shield, preventing unwanted rotation while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extender incorporates asymmetric features (such as directional ribs or non-circular cross-sections) that provide rotation security. These asymmetric elements engage with the dielectric shield to prevent rotation in unwanted directions while allowing proper assembly orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables secure and efficient assembly of vacuum cartridges with smooth ceramic enclosures, eliminating the need for machining and allowing for a single-step assembly process that adapts to various manufacturing tolerances, ensuring secure fixation and rotation of dielectric shields.

Implementation Method 1

able to exert radial forces on the enclosure and the shield

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial forces: Force

Implementation Method 2

to secure said element in position with respect to said part by friction between the extender and the element on the one hand and the extender and said part on the other hand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the above-mentioned final fixing is achieved by performing two welding operations respectively between said element and the extender and between the extender and said part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS7820934B2Method for fixing an element in an electrical apparatus and an electrical apparatus including two parts fixed according to such a method
Publication Date: 2010.10.26 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • US7820934B2 patent drawing
  • US7820934B2 patent drawing
  • US7820934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for fixing an element to a part of an electrical apparatus may include interposing an extender between the element and the part, where the extender is able to exert forces on the element and the part to position the element with respect to the part and/or to secure the element in position with respect to the part, by friction between one side of the extender and the element and between another side of the extender and the part, and to ensure positioning and/or securing of the element with respect to the part prior to final fixing, and to perform final fixing by performing two welding operations respectively between the element and the extender and between the extender and the part.