Movable Contact Converter Arrangement for Vibration-Resistant Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power converter systems in redundant arrangements, such as those in the railroad field, require efficient disconnection of faulty converter assemblies from the network without the need to move the entire assembly, which is mechanically stressful and inefficient in existing solutions like EP 2 387 141 A1.
Innovation Solution
A converter arrangement with first contacts that can be transferred by an actuator from a connection position to a release position, allowing the converter assembly to be fastened and removed from a receptacle without moving the receptacle, thus enabling electrical connection and disconnection from the network without moving the converter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the entire converter assembly is moved by means of an actuator to disconnect from the network, then the plug-in connection can be used for disconnection making independent isolation switches unnecessary, but the entire mass of the converter assembly must be moved and it must be mechanically fixed in both connection and release positions which is disadvantageous under mechanical shock and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the converter assembly (removable) and the basic structure with contacts (stationary). The plug-in connection serves dual purposes: mechanical mounting and electrical connection. Only the lightweight contacts move during disconnection, not the heavy converter assembly, resolving the contradiction between using plug-in connections for disconnection and avoiding movement of large masses.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the converter assembly to disconnect (as in prior art), the invention moves only the contacts within the basic structure. The converter assembly remains stationary in the receptacle during electrical disconnection, reversing the traditional approach and eliminating the need to move large masses while still achieving isolation.
2Reliability
If the converter assembly is moved in its entirety to disconnect from the network, then disconnection can be achieved, but the converter assembly must be mechanically fixed both in connection position and release position which is especially disadvantageous under mechanical shock and shaking stresses and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stationary converter assembly from the movable contacts. The converter assembly remains fixed in the receptacle during operation, while only the lightweight contacts move to achieve electrical disconnection. This eliminates the need to mechanically fix the heavy converter assembly in release position, making the system more resistant to mechanical shock and vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnection function is extracted from the converter assembly and transferred to the contacts in the basic structure. The contacts are removed from the converter assembly and placed in the basic structure, allowing them to move independently without affecting the stationary converter assembly, thereby eliminating mechanical fixing requirements under vibration conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the converter assembly is moved by means of an actuator for disconnection, then the plug-in connection is utilized for isolation making independent isolation switches unnecessary, but this solution is disadvantageous because the entire mass of the converter assembly must be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the disconnection function into two independent components: the removable converter assembly and the stationary basic structure with movable contacts. This segmentation allows the lightweight contacts to perform the disconnection operation without moving the heavy converter assembly, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the converter assembly to achieve disconnection (energy-intensive), the invention moves only the contacts (energy-efficient). This inverted approach achieves the same disconnection result with minimal energy expenditure by reversing which component moves during the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A converter arrangement includes a basic structure having a receptacle, a first electrical network including lines arranged on the basic structure, a plurality of first contacts arranged on the basic structure and movable via a first actuator from a first connection position into a first release position, and a converter assembly securable in the first release position as a unit in a fixed location in the receptacle of the basic structure and removable from the receptacle. The converter assembly is electrically connected to the lines of the first electrical network when the first contacts assume the first connection position, and electrically disconnected from the lines of the first network when the first contacts assume the first release position. The receptacle of the basic structure is immobile when the first contacts move from the first connection position into the first release position.