Integrated Bushing Current Transformer for Compact Switchboards

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bushing-type current transformer structures for switchboards have a large number of components, making installation and maintenance time-consuming, and require separate bushings for each phase, which complicates the process and increases the switchboard's volume.

Innovation Solution

A simplified bushing-type current transformer design using a binding plate with integrated fixing parts and a coupling block that allows for a single bushing to house the current transformer, terminal, and busbar, reducing the number of components and enabling simultaneous application to multiple phases, while using an epoxy material for improved insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate terminal bushing and current transformer bushing are used, then maintenance can be performed from the front direction, but the number of components increases making installation and maintenance time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the terminal bushing and current transformer bushing into a single integrated bushing structure. The terminal is directly installed on the bushing body, eliminating the need for separate terminal bushing and current transformer bushing components. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining front-direction maintenance accessibility through the modular design that allows the current transformer to be independently replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the terminal bushing for electrical connection and the current transformer bushing for current measurement. The integrated design allows a single component to fulfill the roles previously requiring separate components, reducing complexity while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If individual bushing-type current transformers are applied to each phase, then phase-specific current measurement is achieved, but the installation and maintenance work time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase current measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a single integrated bushing structure to handle all three phases simultaneously. The bushing is designed with multiple terminals and current transformer windings that can accommodate three-phase connections in one unit, reducing installation and maintenance time compared to using separate bushings for each phase while maintaining accurate phase-specific current measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing structure is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple phases (three-phase power systems) within a single unit. This multi-functional design allows one bushing to perform the work of multiple individual bushings, significantly reducing the time required for installation and maintenance across all phases while preserving precise current measurement for each phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used in the bushing structure, then functional requirements are met, but the volume of the switchboard increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidswitchboard volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the terminal bushing and current transformer bushing into a single compact integrated structure. This consolidation eliminates the space required for multiple separate components and their interconnections, reducing the overall switchboard volume while maintaining all necessary functional requirements for electrical connection and current measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The current transformer is nested within the bushing structure, with the transformer windings positioned inside the bushing body. This nesting arrangement allows the current transformer to be housed within the existing bushing volume rather than requiring additional external space, thereby reducing the overall switchboard volume while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 reduces the complexity and time required for installation, maintenance, and repair, decreases the switchboard's volume, and enhances insulation performance by simplifying the structure and using a modular approach with epoxy materials.

Implementation Method 1

using an epoxy material for improved insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12255012B2Bushing-type current transformer, and switchboard having current transformer applied thereto

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a bushing-type current transformer, and a switchboard having the bushing-type current transformer applied thereto, comprising: a binding plate; a bushing including a first fixing part and a second fixing part located on each of the two sides of the binding plate and each providing an accommodating space; and a current transformer fitted and fixed to the first fixing part of the bushing.