Insulator with Cutouts for Clamp Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of insulators in gas-insulated switchgear is complex due to the need for precise positioning and secure fastening, which complicates the attachment process.

Innovation Solution

The insulator features cutouts for clamp elements on its carrier element, allowing for simplified attachment by inserting clamp elements into these cutouts and securing them to the connection flange with screws, along with a groove for a sealing ring to enhance gas tightness and a conductive contact element for reduced contact points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional screw fastening methods are used to attach the insulator to the connection flange, then secure fastening is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulator is divided into a carrier element and a sealing element that can be assembled separately. The sealing element with its groove for the sealing ring can be attached to the carrier element during assembly, simplifying the overall attachment process to the connection flange while maintaining secure fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A clamp element is introduced as an intermediary component that connects the insulator to the connection flange. The clamp element engages with the cutout in the carrier element and secures the entire insulator assembly to the flange, simplifying the fastening process while ensuring secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple contact points are used for phase conductor connections, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but the number of contact points increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of contact points
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element and carrier element are merged into a single integrated component. The contact element is inserted into the carrier element and electrically connected to it, forming one unified piece that reduces the number of separate contact points while maintaining reliable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1950770B1Insulator
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP1950770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1950770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1950770B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The insulator (1) has an electrically insulated disc-shaped support unit (2) with a set of recesses, where each recess accommodates an electrical conductor. Each recess is provided at a position over an outer circumference of the support unit for receiving a clamping unit. The support unit comprises a set of slots on front side that is in close range of outer circumference for receiving a seal ring. An electrically conductive contact unit (10) is inserted into each recess for connecting a phasing conductor. Each contact unit comprises a plug contact (8).