Frustoconical Connector for Medium-Voltage Substation Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection solutions for medium voltage distribution substations face challenges in simplifying the connection process between equipment, requiring complex technological choices to address dielectric problems and maintenance issues, especially when varying from standard interfaces like A, B, or C, and dealing with high voltages and compactness requirements.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a frustoconical connection end piece with a flexible, elastomeric material coated on a conductive core, integrated within a rigid shell, allowing for secure cable connections and easy maintenance, along with a deformable insulating support for alignment and compression, ensuring sealed and shielded interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid bars with plug-in connectors are used for connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a flat connection interface for equipment-to-equipment connections and a cable connector for cable connections. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat connection interface is designed to be universal, allowing the same connector design to be used for all equipment connections within the substation. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized connector types, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable connections.
2Ease of operation
If flat compressible interfaces are used for connections, then connection process is simplified, but adaptability to different cable types and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface uses compressible elastomeric material that can dynamically adapt to different cable positions and orientations. The material deforms under compression to create reliable electrical contact while accommodating variations in cable configuration and connector alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material's physical properties (compressibility, elasticity) are leveraged to enable the connector to adapt to different configurations. By changing the physical state of the material through compression, the connector achieves both simplified operation and enhanced adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If elastomeric material is used for connection interfaces, then ease of connection is improved, but dielectric strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a composite structure combining elastomeric material for the connection interface with rigid insulating material for the connector body. This composite design allows the elastomeric portion to provide ease of connection while the rigid insulating material ensures adequate dielectric strength for medium voltage applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with specific properties are used in different locations: elastomeric material at the connection interface for ease of connection, and rigid insulating material in the connector body for dielectric strength. This local optimization of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard interface variations (A, B, C) are accommodated, then adaptability is improved, but technological complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adapting the connector to fit different standard interfaces (A, B, C), the solution inverts the approach by having all equipment connect to a universal flat interface, and using standard cable connectors for cable connections. This eliminates the need for multiple equipment connector variants while maintaining compatibility with standard cable connectors.
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 simplifies the connection process, enhances dielectric strength, and facilitates easy maintenance by providing a compact, reliable, and efficient interface that can be easily adapted to different configurations, reducing the complexity and cost associated with standard interface variations.
Implementation Method 1
the height of the insert between its two connection surfaces is less than the distance between the two connection surfaces when the insulating material of the support is at rest, and greater than or equal to said distance when the material is entirely deformed by compression between its connecting surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a support made of insulating material capable of being deformed... when the material is entirely deformed by compression
Implementation Method 3
a metal insert passing through the connector by emerging at the level of the connection device and in the end piece. The metal insert is surrounded by a support made of deformable insulating material, the interface between said material and the metal insert being sealed
Implementation Method 4
The connector comprises, on the side of the connection end piece, a rigid shell in which the flexible material is located
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
The connector (200) has a portion including a connection end (220) with frustoconical outer shape and including an outer shell (222) made of rigid material around deformable insulating material. Diameter of a metal insert in the shell increases according to a constant slope. A deformable material coats the shell on level with a connection zone. The insulating material is surrounded in a sealed manner by a conducting material on a maintenance part of the portion, and coats the connection zone with the shell.