Flexible Conductor for Disconnector Blade Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-voltage disconnectors face challenges with existing connection methods between main blades and bases, including high costs, increased power requirements due to friction, and heat dissipation risks, as well as structural weaknesses in copper braid twists.

Innovation Solution

A flexible conductor with multiple layers of metal sheets, capable of bending in two perpendicular planes to maintain electrical connection during rotation and twisting, reducing friction and assembly complexity while being cost-effective and durable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extra moveable and static contacts are arranged on the main blade and base, then electrical connection is maintained, but cost increases due to copper with silver plating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the conductor from rigid contacts to a flexible conductor with bending portions, allowing it to accommodate blade movement while maintaining electrical connection without requiring expensive silver-plated contacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible conductor that can bend and deform to maintain electrical connection during blade rotation and twisting, replacing the need for complex moveable and static contacts with a flexible conductive element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If extra moveable and static contacts are arranged, then electrical connection is maintained, but friction increases requiring greater power for blade rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidpower for rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible conductor acts as a compliant electrical connection that deforms with blade movement rather than creating friction through contact pressure, significantly reducing the power needed for blade rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with friction (moveable and static contacts) with a flexible conductive system that transmits electrical connection through deformation, eliminating the friction-related power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If extra static contact is arranged on the base, then electrical connection is maintained, but base length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidbase length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible conductor serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, accommodates blade movement through bending, and eliminates the need for additional static contacts on the base, maintaining connection without increasing base dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If extra static and moveable contacts are arranged, then electrical connection is maintained, but heat dissipation risk doubles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidheat dissipation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the extra static and moveable contacts from the system, retaining only the essential electrical connection function through a single flexible conductor, thereby halving the heat dissipation risk associated with multiple contact interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

5Adaptability or versatility

If copper braid twist is used for connection, then main blade can rotate and twist, but the connection is easy to break and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation and twisting capabilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible conductor is divided into multiple portions with specific bending capabilities, creating a segmented structure that can rotate and twist while maintaining structural integrity and electrical connection, overcoming the fragility of copper braid twists

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 flexible conductor provides a stable and cost-effective electrical connection between the main blade and base, minimizing power requirements and heat dissipation risks, while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the first portion is fixed to the base and adapted to bend in a first plane in response to a rotation of the main blade about a first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second portion is connected to the first portion and fixed to the main blade, the second portion adapted to bend in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane in response to twisting of the main blade about a second axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the flexible conductor is operable to maintain an electrical connection between the main blade and the base when the main blade rotates and twists with respect to the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3776619B1Flexible conductor for disconnector and the disconnector thereof

Publication Date: 2022.07.27 HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible conductor for connecting a main blade and a base of a disconnector. The flexible conductor comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion is fixed to the base and adapted to bend in a first plane in response to a rotation of the main blade about a first axis; and the second portion is connected to the first portion and fixed to the main blade, the second portion adapted to bend in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane in response to twisting of the main blade about a second axis; wherein the flexible conductor is operable to maintain an electrical connection between the main blade and the base when the main blade rotates and twists with respect to the base to open or close the disconnector. In this way, the flexible conductor can maintain an electrical connection between the main blade and the base steadily and durably when opening or closing the disconnector.