Modular Switchgear with Horizontal Removable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchgear and control gear designs require complex and heavy robotic systems for maintenance due to the vertical arrangement of components, which complicates automation and weight handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular design where main and auxiliary switchgear components are housed in removable modules that can be moved vertically for maintenance, allowing for automated or manual extraction and replacement, simplifying access and reducing automation system complexity and weight handling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If main switchgear components are arranged vertically one above the other to facilitate human operator access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and weight handling requirements increase for robotic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The switchgear is divided into modular units, each containing specific components (circuit breakers, disconnectors, busbars). These modules can be independently accessed, removed, and replaced, simplifying the robotic manipulation required for maintenance while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical stacking to a horizontal arrangement of modular units within compartments. This dimensional change allows robotic systems to access components from the front horizontally, reducing the complexity of vertical manipulation while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If main switchgear components are arranged vertically one above the other, then ease of operation is improved, but weight handling requirements for robotic systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switchgear into smaller modular units rather than having all components stacked vertically, the weight that needs to be handled by the robotic system at any one time is reduced. Each module can be individually manipulated, lowering peak weight handling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal arrangement of modules allows the robotic system to access and manipulate lighter individual modules from the front, rather than needing to handle heavier vertically-stacked components, thereby reducing weight handling requirements.
3Ease of operation
If components are arranged for easy human access, then ease of operation is improved, but automation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Modular design with standardized interfaces enables simple robotic operations for module removal, replacement, and positioning. The segmentation allows automation to work with discrete, manageable units rather than complex integrated assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal front-access arrangement aligns with natural robotic manipulation from the front, simplifying automation compared to vertical access requirements while maintaining ease of operation for both human and robotic systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A switchgear or control gear includes at least one first compartment; a plurality of removable modules; a plurality of main switchgear or control gear components; and a plurality of auxiliary switchgear or control gear components. The plurality of main switchgear or control gear components includes at least one main busbar system, at least one three position linear or rotational movement disconnector, at least one circuit breaker, and at least one cable connection. The plurality of auxiliary switchgear or control gear components includes at least one disconnector drive and at least one circuit breaker drive. The plurality of removable modules are configured to be mounted horizontally within the at least one first compartment at a plurality of horizontal locations. Movement of a removable module from its horizontal location, the movement including a vertical movement, is configured to move the one or more auxiliary components housed in or associated with that module.