Folding High Voltage Switch Platform for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage transmission switches are too large to be transported fully assembled and require disassembly and assembly in outdoor field locations, which complicates the assembly, adjustment, and testing process.
Innovation Solution
A folding high voltage electric power switch design that allows for full assembly, adjustment, and testing at the factory, with the ability to fold for transportation and minimal assembly required in the field, utilizing structural beams and struts that pivotally articulate for easy unfolding and securing during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high voltage transmission switches are fully assembled at the factory, then assembly quality and testing are improved, but transportation becomes impossible due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The switch platform is divided into multiple segments including a central beam, lateral beams, and struts that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the assembled switch to be compacted into a smaller volume for transportation while maintaining assembly quality achieved at the factory.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates movable joints and articulation points between beams and struts, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic one that can change configuration. The switch is assembled in an extended configuration for quality control, then folded into a compact configuration for transportation.
2Volume of moving object
If high voltage transmission switches are disassembled for transportation, then transportation feasibility is improved, but field assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into modular components (central beam, lateral beams, struts) that remain connected through articulated joints. This allows the switch to be transported in a folded state while requiring minimal field assembly - simply unfolding and securing the pre-assembled segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is fully assembled, adjusted, and tested at the factory before folding for transportation. All complex assembly operations are performed in advance in the controlled factory environment, leaving only simple unfolding and securing operations for field installation.
3Volume of moving object
If high voltage transmission switches are disassembled for transportation, then transportation feasibility is improved, but field testing and adjustment capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
All testing and adjustment operations are performed in advance at the factory while the switch is in its extended operational configuration. The switch is thoroughly tested and adjusted before being folded for transportation, ensuring reliability without requiring complex field testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated platform allows the switch to maintain its operational configuration during testing at the factory, then transition to a folded configuration for transportation. This dynamic capability enables complete factory testing while achieving compact transportation.
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 complete assembly, adjustment, and testing of high voltage switches in a controlled factory environment, minimizing field assembly and ensuring the switch is ready for installation with minimal on-site effort, while still allowing transportation by road truck.
Implementation Method 1
The platform may fold and unfold through pivotal articulation of the structural beams and struts
Data Source
AI summary
A folding high voltage electric power switch that can be fully assembled, tested and adjusted at the factory and then folded for shipping on a road truck with minimal disassembly. The switch can then be readied for installation with minimal field assembly largely limited to unfolding and securing support beams and struts. The switch includes a number of phase insulators (i.e., two phase insulators for a 2-way switch and three phase insulators for a three-way switch), a central switch insulator and a number of blade arms, each selectively connecting an electric power tap at the central insulator to an electric power tap at a respective phase insulator. The platform includes structural beams and struts that easily fold for transportation and unfold for installation in the field while the beams, struts, insulators and blade arms remain attached together.