Movable Connection Bar for High-Voltage Circuit Breaker Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high-voltage electrical installations require difficult and visibility-impaired interventions for connecting and disconnecting circuit breakers due to the need for manual manipulation of electrical connections, which complicates maintenance and assembly/disassembly processes, especially given the weight and positioning constraints of the circuit breaker.

Innovation Solution

A high-voltage electrical installation with movable connection means, including a connection bar with a movable end that can be adjusted externally, allowing for connection or disconnection without visibility, facilitated by a support member and control tool, reducing the need for extensive downward movement of the circuit breaker during disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional electrical connection means are used, then the circuit breaker can be connected to electrical equipment, but the intervention requires manual manipulation without visibility which makes the operation difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of interventionVSAvoidtime for intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated control tool that can be operated from outside the sealed tank. The control tool includes a rod that can be inserted through openings in the tank to remotely manipulate the connection bar, substituting direct mechanical intervention with a remote control mechanism that eliminates the need for visibility during operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the electrical connection means. This control tool acts as a mediator that transmits operational commands from the operator (who remains outside the sealed tank) to the connection bar, enabling indirect manipulation without requiring the operator to be inside the tank or have visibility of the internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the circuit breaker is dismantled from connected equipment, then maintenance can be performed, but the circuit breaker must be moved vertically downward which is difficult due to its mass and clearance constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidweight of circuit breaker
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical connection system into separable components: a fixed connection means attached to the circuit breaker and a movable connection means attached to the electrical equipment. This segmentation allows the circuit breaker to remain in place while only the movable connection means is manipulated for disconnection, eliminating the need to move the entire heavy circuit breaker during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the connection bar movable relative to the circuit breaker tank, allowing dynamic adjustment of the connection position. This dynamic capability enables the connection means to be easily disconnected and reconnected without requiring vertical displacement of the circuit breaker, facilitating maintenance operations while the circuit breaker remains stationary in its installed position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the connection bar is made movable for easier connection/disconnection, then intervention is simplified, but the connection means becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of connection means
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the connection bar (which connects to the movable electrical equipment) movable, while keeping the connection means attached to the circuit breaker fixed. This inversion simplifies the overall system because the movable connection bar can be easily manipulated by the control tool, while the fixed connection means provides a stable reference point, reducing the complexity of the control mechanism required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution simplifies the assembly and disassembly of circuit breakers by enabling easier external adjustment of electrical connections, reducing the required displacement by several orders of magnitude and allowing for safer, more efficient maintenance operations without the need for extensive manual manipulation inside the sealed tank.

Implementation Method 1

The circuit breaker comprises a sealed tank which is filled with a dielectric gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

the installation comprises a support member arranged through the openings, which seals off said openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical sealing: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3172807A1High-voltage electrical facility comprising a movable electrical connection means
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a high-voltage electrical facility comprising: - a first electrical apparatus (12) including an electrical component; - at least one second electrical apparatus (22), connected to the first electrical apparatus (12) and comprising an electrical component (38); and - a means for electrically connecting the electrical component of the first electrical apparatus (12) with the electrical component (38) of the second electrical apparatus (22). Said high-voltage electrical apparatus is characterized in that the electrical connection means comprises a connecting bar (48) that is electrically connected to the electrical component (38) of the electrical apparatus, at least one end (52) of the connecting bar (48) being movable and connectable to, or separatable from, the electrical component.