Modular Multi-Phase Switchgear Design for Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-phase switchgear designs with compact structures face challenges in maintenance and production costs due to high integration levels, limiting design variability and requiring specialized housing modules for each design.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves arranging multiple phase blocks one behind the other in the direction of the transverse housing module, allowing for a modular prefabrication and use of identical housing modules for different phases, which enhances prefabrication and reduces production costs by enabling efficient use of similar components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a compact design with high integration is used, then the depth of the switchgear is reduced, but service and maintenance work becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth of switchgearVSAvoidservice and maintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The switchgear is divided into multiple phase blocks arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction. Each phase block contains input housing modules, switch housing modules, and transverse housing modules that can be independently accessed and serviced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific phases without disassembling the entire compact structure, resolving the contradiction between compact depth and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If special housing modules are designed for each version, then design variability is increased, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign variabilityVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal housing modules (input housing modules, switch housing modules, transverse housing modules) that can be configured in different arrangements to create multiple phase block configurations. These standardized modules serve multiple functions across different designs, eliminating the need for specialized housing modules for each version. This universality maintains design variability while significantly reducing production costs through standardized manufacturing processes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3811475B1Multiphase switchgear
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3811475B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3811475B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3811475B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A polyphase switchgear assembly having a switch panel (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) has a vertical input housing module (6) and a vertical switching housing module (18). The switching housing module (18) and the input housing module (6) are spaced apart from one another by means of a transverse housing module (14), wherein the input housing module (6) forms the transverse housing module (14) and the switching housing module (18) forms a first phase block (1). A plurality of phase blocks (1, 2, 3) are located flush one behind the other in the direction of the transverse housing (14).