GIS Fixation Element Reduces Assembly Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fixing devices for high or medium voltage electrical substations in gas-insulated metal enclosures require lengthy on-site assembly and are prone to errors, especially in three-phase installations, where alignment and electrical connectivity are complex.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device featuring a threaded conductive rod with multiple threads and a conductive ring, allowing for partial pre-assembly in a factory, reducing on-site assembly time and errors, and ensuring gas-tightness with annular seals, while enabling easy handling and alignment through polarizing elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fixing devices are used with separate assembly components, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but on-site assembly time increases and assembly errors occur more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site assembly timeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate assembly components (fixing member, washer, conductor, corona shield, and seal) into a single integrated fixing device. The fixing member includes integrated features for mechanical fastening, electrical connection, gas sealing, and corona protection, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing on-site assembly time and errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it mechanically fastens the conductor to the support insulator, provides electrical connection through the conductive fixing member, ensures gas tightness through the integrated seal, and prevents corona discharge through the integrated corona shield. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are assembled on-site, then adaptability to different installation configurations is maintained, but assembly errors and misalignment occur more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidon-site assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is pre-assembled with all necessary components (fixing member, washer, seal, and corona shield) in the correct configuration before delivery to the site. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and positioning, eliminating on-site alignment errors and simplifying the installation process while maintaining adaptability to different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional fixing members are used without integrated sealing, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but gas-tightness reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas-tightnessVSAvoidfixing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is integrated directly into the fixing member structure, forming a unified component that provides both mechanical fastening and gas sealing functions. This integration ensures reliable gas-tightness at the interface between the conductor, support insulator, and fixing device, while the compact integrated design does not significantly increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conductive materials are used for the fixing member, then electrical connectivity is improved, but corona discharge risk increases without proper shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidcorona discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The corona shield is integrated with the conductive fixing member as a unified component. The conductive material provides excellent electrical connectivity for power transmission, while the integrated corona shield (made of conductive or partially conductive material) surrounds the conductor to control the electric field and prevent corona discharge, eliminating the harmful effects of using conductive materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2959554B1Fixation element for a gis
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP2959554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2959554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2959554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a securing device for an installation of the GIS type, having a threaded rod and a ring having a duct for receiving the threaded rod, the ring being housed in a supporting insulator which the installation has.