High-Voltage Cable Joint Bridging for Compact Underground Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage polymer cables and joints are difficult to repair or replace due to their stiffness, requiring significant lengths of replacement cable and multiple joints, which is costly and time-consuming, especially when defects occur underground.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a connection piece with a centre section bridging the cable ends and a stress control body to create a reliable, compact repair joint, reducing the need for additional cable length and joints, using prefabricated components for efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a faulty section of high voltage polymer cable is replaced using prior art methods, then the cable can be repaired, but a significant length of intact cable (10m or more) must be removed and replaced, which is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the replacement task into two separate components: a connection piece for electrical connection and a stress control body for mechanical stress management. This segmentation allows the replacement of only the faulty section (10-50cm) rather than a long cable segment, as each component handles specific functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece acts as an intermediary component between the two cable ends, providing both electrical connection and mechanical coupling. This intermediary enables the repair of minimal cable sections without requiring long replacement cables, as the connection piece bridges the gap between severed cable ends.
2Ease of operation
If multiple joints are used to connect replacement cable sections, then the cable can be reassembled, but the number of joints increases device complexity and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate joints into a single integrated connection piece. This single component simultaneously provides electrical connection, mechanical coupling, and stress control, eliminating the need for multiple separate joints and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: electrical conductor, mechanical connector, and stress control element. This universality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall assembly.
3Length of moving object
If joints are placed close to each other to minimize replacement length, then less cable needs to be removed, but joints cannot be placed in immediate vicinity according to prior art constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The connection piece is segmented into distinct functional zones: receiving sections for cable insertion, a centre section for electrical connection, and integrated stress control elements. This internal segmentation allows the component to accommodate cable ends in close proximity while maintaining proper electrical and mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear arrangement (multiple joints spaced along the cable) to a compact three-dimensional integration where the connection piece accommodates both cable ends and provides all necessary functions within a single localized component, enabling close placement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made cable pieces are ordered for replacement, then suitable cables can be found, but the process takes time and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection piece is designed as a standardized, readily available component that can be used for multiple different cable replacements. Instead of ordering custom-made cable sections for each repair, the universal connection piece serves as a disposable or reusable standard component that accelerates the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is designed with universal compatibility to work with various high voltage polymer cable types and configurations. This universality eliminates the need for custom-ordering cable sections, as the same connection piece can adapt to different cable specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of repairing or replacing a joint for high voltage polymer cables or a high voltage polymer cable (1c), comprises the steps of: a) removing a section to be replaced of the joint or the high voltage polymer cable (1c) such that two cable ends (1a, 1b) result, whereby the two cable ends (1a, 1b) are oriented toward each other and whereby the two cable ends (1a, 1b) are positioned in a separation distance (20) from each other and whereby each cable end (1a, 1b) comprises a cable conductor (10a, 10b), b) preparing the two cable ends (1a, 1b) by exposing the cable conductors (10a, 10b) of both cable ends (1a, 1b) over a first length c) connecting the two cable conductors (10a, 10b) with a connection piece (3) which comprises two receiving sections (31a, 31b) and a centre section (30) and which is electrically conducting, whereby a length of the centre section (30d) corresponds to the separation distance (20) and whereby the cable conductors (10a, 10b) are mounted in such a way to the receiving sections (31a, 31b) that a mechanical and an electrically conducting connection is established.