Hotstick Connector With Integral Bushing Well
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage separable connector systems require multiple components and increased length due to the use of bushing extenders and reducing taps, which complicates assembly and installation, especially in space-constrained applications.
Innovation Solution
A hotstick operable electrical connector assembly with an integral bushing well that allows direct connection of a male interface without adapters, reducing the overall axial height and eliminating the need for bushing extenders, constructed from materials like EPDM rubber or metalized epoxy, conforming to ANSI/IEEE Standard 386.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bushing extenders and reducing taps are used to connect male interface to bushing, then connection compatibility is achieved, but connector assembly length increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the bushing well directly into the connector housing, merging what were previously separate components (bushing extender and reducing tap) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate bushing extender and reducing tap components, thereby reducing overall assembly length while maintaining connection compatibility between male interfaces and bushings
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is designed with a universal bushing well that can accommodate different male interface configurations directly, making the connector adaptable to various bushing types without requiring additional adapters or extenders, thus reducing assembly complexity and length
2Adaptability or versatility
If bushing extenders and reducing taps are used to connect male interface to bushing, then connection compatibility is achieved, but number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (bushing extender, reducing tap, and connector housing) into a single integrated connector assembly with an integral bushing well. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall device while maintaining the ability to connect different male interface types to bushings
Solution Approach 2:
The integral bushing well in the connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides direct reception for male interfaces, maintains electrical insulation, and enables connection compatibility across different bushing types, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized components
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (bushing extender, reducing tap, connector) are used, then connection flexibility is maintained, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the bushing well directly into the connector housing as a single component, the patent eliminates the need for sequential assembly of multiple parts (connector to bushing extender to reducing tap to male interface). This single-integration approach maintains connection flexibility while dramatically reducing assembly time and procedural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A hotstick operable electrical connector for use in a power distribution system that includes a housing, a well and first and second frustoconical members extending from a surface of the housing. Each frustoconical member has a distal end and an axial bore that extends from the distal end into the housing. The well includes a wall, a base with an aperture and a tapered cavity that extends into the housing from the surface opposite the frustoconical members. The well is adapted to receive a male end of an insert device, such as a feed-thru insert or bushing insert. The aperture provides communication between the cavity and the axial bore of one of the frustoconical members. An electrical contact assembly extends through the aperture between the cavity and the axial bore. The integrally formed well provides a means for direct connection with an insert device without the use of an adapter.