Fluid-Insulated Electrical Apparatus Trap Member Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas-insulated electrical apparatuses face challenges in trapping foreign metal substances due to enhanced electric fields and complex movements of needle-shaped particles, leading to potential flashovers and degradation of withstanding voltage.

Innovation Solution

A fluid-insulated electrical apparatus with a trap member featuring a Japanese character-shaped cross-section, including a flat head top portion and inclined portions, is designed to trap foreign metal substances by transforming their movement from vertical to horizontal, utilizing a groove structure that accommodates the size and shape of the particles, and an optional sidewall for enhanced electrostatic discharge and trapping efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the end of the metallic material that faces the energization conductor is rounded to reduce electric field distortion, then the electric field distortion is reduced, but the electric field is enhanced and distorted near the energization conductor, making it difficult to trap foreign metal substances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric field distributionVSAvoidforeign metal substance trapping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trap member is divided into distinct functional portions: a head top portion with a flat end face for trapping foreign metal substances, and an inclined portion for guiding particles. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function independently, with the flat head top portion creating effective trapping zones without the electric field distortion caused by rounded ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trap member extends in the vertical direction with a specific height, creating three-dimensional trapping zones. The head top portion has a flat end face that presents a two-dimensional surface for particle accumulation, while the inclined portion adds vertical guidance. This dimensional approach allows trapping to occur in multiple spatial zones simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of rounded ends that only affect a single point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If metallic materials with inclined surfaces are formed on the lower portion of the grounded tank to trap foreign metal substances, then foreign metal substances can be trapped, but the structure becomes complex and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign metal substance trapping capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple trap members are merged into a single integrated component that combines the head top portion and inclined portion into one piece. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate installation of multiple metallic materials, simplifying both the overall structure and the installation process while maintaining the trapping functionality through the combined geometry of its portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trap member serves multiple functions simultaneously: the head top portion traps foreign metal substances through its flat end face, the inclined portion guides particles toward trapping zones, and the entire structure is electrically connected to the grounded tank for electrostatic discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple metallic materials with overlapping inclined surfaces are used to trap foreign metal substances, then trapping effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrapping effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively traps both rotating and standing foreign metal substances with high efficiency, preventing flashovers and maintaining the apparatus's withstanding voltage performance while simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

any foreign metal substance that exists in the grounded tank gets electrically charged and begins to move

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the foreign metal substance in the grounded tank moves up and down in a space between the grounded tank and the energization conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS8173896B2Fluid-insulated electrical apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.05.08 NEXGEN CONTROL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A fluid-insulated electrical apparatus includes a grounded tank which is an airtight metal vessel filled with an insulating fluid. A conductor to which a high voltage is applied is disposed in the grounded tank. A metal plate that is press-processed to have an inclined portion and a groove between adjacent head top portions is fixed to and electrically connected to an inner wall of the grounded tank.