Insulator Arrangement with Shock Absorbers for Bus Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulator arrangements in isolated phase bus ducts are inadequate in withstanding shearing forces during short-circuit conditions, leading to high costs due to the need for numerous insulators and complex, costly configurations to manage conductor movement and stress.
Innovation Solution
An insulator arrangement featuring a connector with a first shock absorber mounted to a support member, allowing displacement of the conductor and insulator relative to the support member, and additional second shock absorbers between the access cover and enclosure, reducing stress on the insulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic insulators are used to support the conductor, then electrical insulation is provided, but the insulators cannot withstand shearing forces during short-circuit conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite support structure combining ceramic insulators with metal components (aluminum plate, steel reinforcement). The ceramic provides electrical insulation while the metal components provide mechanical strength and shear resistance, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both materials to withstand short-circuit forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary aluminum plate with reinforcement elements between the ceramic insulator and the conductor. This intermediary component absorbs and distributes the shearing forces during short-circuit conditions, protecting the ceramic insulator from direct mechanical stress while maintaining electrical insulation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the span between insulators is reduced to prevent conductor movement during short-circuit, then conductor stability is improved, but the bus duct configuration becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static insulator mounting system to a dynamic one by incorporating flexible connections and reinforcement elements that allow controlled movement during short-circuit conditions. The aluminum plate with reinforcement acts as a flexible intermediary that can deform elastically to absorb mechanical stresses, enabling longer spans without compromising conductor stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-installs reinforcement elements and flexible connections in the insulator support structure before short-circuit events occur. These pre-configured components are designed to absorb and dissipate the expected mechanical energies from short-circuit forces, cushioning the system against damage and eliminating the need for excessive insulator density.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal ball and socket joint is used to compensate for conductor movement, then thermal expansion compensation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive universal ball and socket joints with simpler, more economical alternatives such as flexible aluminum plates with reinforcement elements and basic shock absorbers. These simpler components achieve the same thermal expansion compensation function at lower manufacturing cost, using readily available materials and standard fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves movement compensation by changing the physical parameters of the support structure, specifically by introducing flexibility through aluminum plates and reinforcement elements that can elastically deform. This passive flexibility approach replaces complex mechanical joints with material property-based solutions, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 configuration reduces the number of insulators required and minimizes stress on insulators during short-circuit conditions, resulting in a more economical and effective bus duct design.
Implementation Method 1
The first shock absorber is further mounted with the support member to permit displacement of the conductor and the insulator relative to the support member. The first shock absorber permits the insulator to move when the conductor moves towards the zero force position in the event of short-circuit conditions thereby reducing the stress requirements of the insulator.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulator arrangement for supporting a conductor with an enclosure has an insulator fixedly connected at one end with the conductor. The insulator has another end portion mounted to a first shock absorber. The first shock absorber is further mounted with an access cover to permit displacement of the conductor and the insulator relative to the access cover. The insulator arrangement has second shock absorbers mounting the access cover to the enclosure permitting relative displacement between the access cover, which supports the insulator and conductor, and the enclosure.