Integrated Busbar Contact Layout for Medium-Voltage Disconnectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medium voltage switchgear disconnector systems require additional materials and space due to separate contacts and conducting parts, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies, particularly in configurations with overlapping busbars or additional connection bars.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a contact as a part of the busbar itself, allowing the disconnector moveable part to connect and disconnect through linear movements, eliminating the need for additional contact components and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional conducting parts and materials are used on the busbar to connect switchgear panels, then the connection reliability is improved, but the cost and space usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact is merged with the busbar into a single integrated component. The busbar now includes a contact portion that directly forms the electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate contact components. This integration maintains connection reliability while reducing device complexity and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the current-carrying conductor and the electrical contact element. The contact portion of the busbar can directly connect with the disconnector moveable part, making the busbar a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for additional specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a double level of busbar system with overlapping busbars is used, then the connection flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The busbar is segmented into distinct functional portions: a current-carrying portion and a contact portion. This segmentation allows the busbar to provide connection flexibility through its contact portion while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each portion can be designed and manufactured independently before integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using overlapping busbars in multiple levels (vertical dimension), the invention utilizes the linear dimension of the busbar by extending it with a contact portion that protrudes or extends to reach the disconnector moveable part. This dimensional change simplifies the structure while maintaining connection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an additional connection bar is used to connect two panels, then the connection versatility is improved, but the material usage and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection functionality is merged into the busbar itself through the contact portion. The contact portion of the busbar directly connects with the disconnector moveable part, eliminating the need for separate connection bars. This merging reduces material usage while maintaining connection versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar with its contact portion serves as both the current distribution element and the connection element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized connection components, reducing material usage while maintaining connection versatility across different panel configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4280243A1Medium voltage switchgear disconnector system
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4280243A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4280243A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4280243A1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a medium voltage switchgear busbar disconnector system, comprising: - a busbar (1); and - a disconnector moveable part (4); wherein the busbar comprises a contact (3); wherein in a connected state the disconnector moveable part is configured to be connected to the contact; and wherein in a disconnected state the disconnector moveable part is configured to be disconnected from the contact.