Modular Polyamide Bushing for Medium Voltage Pin Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushings for medium voltage switchgear are expensive, difficult to assemble, large in size, and made from non-recyclable epoxy materials, requiring multiple bushings with different t-off and pin assemblies for different pin sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular bushing design featuring a hollow body made from polyamide with an independent t-off and pin assembly, allowing for interchangeable t-off and pin assemblies to accommodate different pin sizes, reducing material waste and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If epoxy material is used for bushings, then insulating performance is achieved, but recyclability is lost and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from epoxy (thermosetting, non-recyclable) to polyamide (thermoplastic, recyclable). This parameter change maintains the insulating performance required for bushings while enabling recyclability and reducing environmental impact, as polyamide can be melted and reformed unlike epoxy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polyamide as a composite material that combines electrical insulation properties with recyclability. The polyamide material is formulated to provide both the necessary dielectric strength for high voltage applications and the thermoplastic characteristics that enable recycling and reduced environmental harm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complete bushings are carried for different pin sizes, then all pin size requirements are met, but transportation and storage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bushing into two independent segments: a universal hollow body and interchangeable t-off and pin assemblies. The hollow body remains fixed in the switchgear, while only the t-off and pin assembly needs to be changed when switching between different pin sizes. This segmentation reduces the number of parts that need to be transported and stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple t-off and pin assemblies of different sizes. This multi-functional design allows a single hollow body to serve multiple pin size requirements, eliminating the need to carry multiple complete bushings for different applications.
3Strength
If traditional epoxy bushings are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bushing into a hollow body and a separate t-off and pin assembly that connects via a flange and fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using suitable processes for polyamide, simplifying assembly compared to monolithic epoxy bushings that require complex molding and curing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from epoxy to polyamide, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing and assembly characteristics. Polyamide's thermoplastic nature enables easier machining, molding, and assembly with standard fasteners, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty while maintaining structural integrity through proper material selection and design.
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing for a metal clad medium voltage switchgear includes a hollow body and a t-off and pin assembly. The hollow body is made from polyamide. The t-off and pin assembly is made from polyamide. A first end of the hollow body is configured to connect to a compartment of a medium voltage switchgear. The t-off and pin assembly is configured to connect to a second end of the hollow body. The t-off and pin assembly is configured to connect to a T-off and pin.