Load Disconnecting Switch Field Control Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-break switches lack effective field control within the isolating distance, which can lead to unbalanced electric fields and potential arcing issues during the switching process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of field control rings connected to the potential of the fixed and movable contact pieces via conducting paths, ensuring the rings are at different potentials (high voltage and ground) to balance the electric field, with the second ring positioned between the contacts and the first ring integrated into the housing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If field control rings are added to balance the electric field, then the reliability of switching operations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching operation reliabilityVSAvoidswitch structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Field control rings are introduced as intermediary elements between the fixed and movable contact pieces. These rings create controlled electric field paths that balance the electric field distribution during switching operations, preventing unbalanced fields and arcing. The connecting conductors serve as mediators to establish the potential relationships between the contact pieces and field control rings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electric potential parameters of different components by connecting field control rings to specific potentials (fixed contact piece potential and movable contact piece potential). This parameter adjustment balances the electric field distribution in the isolating distance, ensuring reliable switching operations without excessive arcing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the isolating distance is maintained according to standards, then the safety is improved, but the electric field remains unbalanced leading to arcing issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching safetyVSAvoidarcing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different electric potentials to different locations within the isolating distance by connecting field control rings to specific potentials. The first field control ring is connected to the fixed contact piece potential while the second is connected to the movable contact piece potential, creating locally optimized electric field conditions that prevent arcing while maintaining the standard isolating distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The field control rings are connected to the potentials of the contact pieces they are associated with, creating equipotential regions that balance the electric field. This equipotential arrangement ensures that the electric field is evenly distributed across the isolating distance, preventing concentration of electric stress that would lead to arcing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 maintains an isolating distance with balanced electric fields, preventing arcing and ensuring safe switching operations by equalizing the electric field between the contact pieces.

Implementation Method 1

The electric field between the two contact pieces in the open position is evened out because the electric potential of the fixed contact piece is high voltage and the electric potential of the movable contact piece is ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP1872380B1Load disconnecting switch and switchgear with a load disconnecting switch
Publication Date: 2017.01.25 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP1872380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1872380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1872380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a load disconnecting circuit with a housing that has a first housing section, which houses the drive, and has a second housing section, which houses a fixed contact element and a longitudinally extended moving contact element. The second housing section has a longitudinal extension adapted to the moving contact element. Field-control rings are placed on the second housing section while encircling it, of which the first are arranged in the vicinity of the fixed contact element and the second are arranged in the vicinity of the switch-off position of the moving contact element. Via a respective connection conductor, the first field-control ring is connected to the potential of the fixed contact element, and the second field-control ring is connected to the potential of the moving contact element when in its switch-off position.