Fuse Cutout Cover Roof Extension to Prevent Connector Flashover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage fuse cutout covers with cruxiform-hole connectors experience flashovers due to air gaps between the connectors and holes, which compromise dielectric protection.
Innovation Solution
Sealing the bottoms of holes in the roof extension where cruxiform connectors are inserted eliminates air gaps, ensuring a flush connection and preventing flashovers without additional cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cruxiform-hole connectors are used to connect dielectric parts, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but air gaps are created that cause flashovers and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming recesses in the dielectric parts before assembly. These recesses are specifically designed to receive the cruxiform connectors and eliminate air gaps. By preparing the connection interfaces in advance during the molding process, the design ensures flush surfaces that prevent flashovers while maintaining the simplicity of the cruxiform connector system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized recesses only at the specific connection points where cruxiform connectors are inserted. This localized modification changes the surface geometry only where needed to eliminate air gaps, while the rest of the dielectric parts maintain their original simple geometry. This approach prevents flashovers at connection points without adding overall complexity to the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the roof extension is added to cover larger fuse cutouts, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of flashover increases due to additional connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cover system into modular components: a base cover and an optional roof extension. The extension can be attached only when needed for larger fuse cutouts, providing adaptability. The extension incorporates cruxiform-hole connectors with recesses that eliminate air gaps, ensuring flashover resistance at the connection point between the extension and the base cover.
3Ease of operation
If air gaps are present between connectors and holes, then ease of assembly is improved, but flashover occurs reducing dielectric protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface geometry parameter at the connection interface. Recesses are formed in the dielectric parts to change the local surface topology, creating a flush connection surface. This geometric parameter change eliminates air gaps while maintaining the simple cruxiform connector design, thus preserving ease of assembly while improving insulating properties.
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 enhances the insulating properties of high voltage covers by eliminating air gaps, thereby preventing flashovers and improving dielectric protection without increasing costs.
Implementation Method 1
it was found that a flashover occurred between the roof extension 142 and the roof 144. This was a weak link in the dielectric cover. After extensive analysis, Applicant concluded that the small air gap between the cruxiform connector 145 (on the roof 144) and the open hole 146 (in the roof extension 142) allowed the flashover to occur.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a fuse cutout cover has an integral roof portion. The roof portion covers the energized top of a fuse in a first type of cutout. An attachable roof extension covers the energized top of a fuse in a larger second type of cutout. By having the optional roof extension feature, the same cover may be used with two types of cutouts. The roof extension is connected using a cruxiform connector on the bottom surface of the roof portion that tightly fits into a hole in the roof extension. To prevent an air gap between the cruxiform connector and the hole in the roof extension, the bottom of the hole is sealed. This prevents flashovers through the air gap. As a result, electrical insulation between wildlife and the energized cutout is increased.