Insulating Support in High Voltage Casing Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical equipment designs for high or medium voltage networks face complications in assembly, increased costs, and electrical losses due to the use of multiple seals and spacers, which can lead to mechanical stress and exposure of insulating supports, complicating the maintenance of a dielectric atmosphere and proper electrical conduction.
Innovation Solution
The design features flanges with contacting faces and a seal compressed between them, where the insulating support is housed with a clearance, allowing for reduced thickness and deformation absorption, eliminating the need for spacers and reducing mechanical stress, while a single seal suffices for gas containment, and additional seals can be added for further compartment separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal bushings and spacers are added around flange assembly bolts to prevent crushing of the support, then the mechanical strength and protection of the insulating support is improved, but the device complexity and assembly complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function into the flange structure itself by designing the flange to extend over and enclose the insulating support. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective components like metal bushings and spacers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining mechanical strength and protection of the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection between casing portions, seals the joint with a gasket, and protects the insulating support by enclosing it. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing both device complexity and assembly steps.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are used to ensure sealing on both sides of the support, then the gas containment reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function into a single gasket that seals the flange joint. The flange structure is designed to enclose the insulating support, and the single gasket seals the entire joint area, eliminating the need for multiple seals on opposite sides of the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gasket performs the universal sealing function for the entire flange joint, including areas around the insulating support. This multi-functional approach maintains gas containment reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and assembly steps compared to using multiple separate seals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the insulating support is completely separated from flange assemblies, then the support is exposed to outside damages, but adding protective sleeves increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function into the flange structure by designing the flange to extend over and enclose the insulating support. This integration provides continuous protection against external damages without requiring separate protective sleeves, thereby reducing device complexity while improving protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed to perform multiple functions: structural connection, sealing with a gasket, and protection of the insulating support by enclosing it. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive protection against external damages without adding separate protective components, reducing device complexity.
4Reliability
If discontinuity of envelope portions is created by separating flanges, then return electric currents cannot flow properly, but adding sleeves to connect flanges increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into the flange assembly itself. The flange with bolt holes provides a continuous metallic path for return electric currents to flow between envelope portions, eliminating the need for separate connecting sleeves while maintaining electrical conduction reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical connection of envelope portions, sealing with a gasket, protection of the insulating support, and providing a continuous path for return electric currents. This multi-functionality ensures electrical conduction reliability without adding separate connecting components, reducing device complexity.
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
This design simplifies assembly, reduces costs, minimizes electrical losses, and maintains the dielectric atmosphere effectively by absorbing thermal expansions without significant mechanical stress, ensuring reliable electrical conduction and gas containment with fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (40) being compressed between said contacting faces (38)
Implementation Method 2
absorbing thermal expansions without significant mechanical stress
Implementation Method 3
allowing for reduced thickness and deformation absorption
Data Source
Figure 1~10
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an insulating mounting (20) for an electrical conductor contained in aligned portions (34, 35) of a casing, which mounting is held in a recess (39) defined by the connecting flanges (36, 37) of the casing portions (34, 35),said flanges having surfaces (38) that make contact around the periphery (24) of the mounting (20). A single seal (41) is sufficient to prevent the atmosphere of the casing from leaking out, thus simplifying the structure of the equipment while protecting the mounting (20) relative to the outside. The invention is suitable for use in high and medium voltage electrical appliances.