Integrated Switchgear Module for Compact Isolator-Breaker-Earthing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical switchgear in medium and high voltage technology requires a space-saving solution that effectively integrates isolator, circuit breaker, and earthing functions, while minimizing the need for support elements and mating contacts.

Innovation Solution

The integration of isolator, circuit breaker, and earthing functions into a single module, where components share functions and support each other, allowing for a compact design with shared parts and a locking unit for coordinated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If isolator, circuit breaker, and earthing functions are provided as separate components, then each function can be independently designed and maintained, but the overall space occupation and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines isolator, earthing switch, and circuit breaker into a single integrated module where components share common structures. The isolator blade and earthing switch blade share a common support body and pivot axis, while the circuit breaker switching contacts share connection contacts with both functions, eliminating the need for separate support elements and counter contacts for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection contacts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both connection contacts for the circuit breaker and as counter contacts for the isolator and earthing switch. The support body provides structural support for multiple moving components including the isolator blade, earthing switch blade, and circuit breaker mechanism, reducing the overall component count.

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

2Reliability

If separate support elements and counter contacts are provided for each function, then each component has adequate structural support, but the number of parts and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The common support body serves as the structural support for multiple moving components including the isolator blade, earthing switch blade, and circuit breaker mechanism. The connection contacts serve dual purposes as both electrical connection points for the circuit breaker and as counter contacts for the isolator and earthing switch, eliminating the need for separate support elements and counter contacts for each component.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4451306A1Electrical assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4451306A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4451306A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4451306A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical arrangement comprising a isolator function, a circuit breaker function, and at least one earthing function. According to the invention, the at least one earthing function, the isolator function, and the circuit breaker function are integrated into one and the same module (1).