Modular Pressure Relief Duct for Gas-Insulated Switchgear

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear systems face challenges in installation, particularly in confined spaces due to difficult access at connection points, leading to ergonomic and logistical issues during assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A modular pressure relief duct system with screwless connections that can be easily assembled from the front side, featuring self-centering mechanisms and overlapping designs for stability, allowing for installation in tight spaces without the need for rear access and reducing assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional screw-based assembly is used for pressure relief duct connection, then connection stability is achieved, but installation becomes impossible in tight spaces and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation accessibilityVSAvoidConnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure relief duct is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently assembled and connected. Each module features standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly in confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity and stability through the modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular pressure relief duct design is implemented, then installation ease and adaptability improve, but connection stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem adaptabilityVSAvoidConnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple modular sections of the pressure relief duct are combined through standardized connection interfaces that integrate seamlessly. The design merges the advantages of modularity (adaptability) with robust connection mechanisms (stability), ensuring that assembled modules maintain structural integrity comparable to monolithic designs while benefiting from installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If screwless plug-in connection is used, then assembly ergonomics and speed improve, but connection reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly speedVSAvoidConnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a screwless plug-in connection mechanism. This substitution maintains connection reliability through alternative mechanical engagement features (such as interference fits, snap connections, or cam-locked interfaces) while dramatically improving assembly speed and ergonomics by eliminating the need for tools and complex tightening procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2999068B1Electrical system and method of assembly
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2999068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2999068B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2999068B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The electrical system (1) according to the invention, which is in particular designed as a gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear, comprises at least one encapsulated functional module (10-1, 10-2) with a substantially cuboid housing (11-1, 11-2) and a pressure relief channel (20) extending parallel to a front side (4) of the electrical system (1), which is mounted on the housing (11-1, 11-2) in the region of a top side (5) of the housing (11-1, 11-2). The pressure relief channel (20) is modular in design, with each functional module (10-1, 10-2) being uniquely assigned a corresponding module (21-1, 21-2) of the pressure relief channel (20).Furthermore, each module (21-1, 21-2) of the pressure relief duct (20) is inserted into the housing (11-1, 11-2) of the respective function module (10-1, 10-2) in a rear area facing away from the front (4), forming a first screwless connection (22). This first screwless plug connection (22) between the housing (11-1, 11-2) of the function module (10-1, 10-2) and the associated module (21-1, 21-2) of the pressure relief duct (20) enables simple and ergonomic mounting of the pressure relief duct (20) from the front, i.e., from a front side (4) of the electrical system (1).Furthermore, the modular design of the pressure relief channel (20) ensures easy adaptation to the number of functional modules (10-1, 10-2) belonging to the electrical system (1), thereby significantly simplifying or even enabling the processes at the installation site.