Movable Earthing Device for Chain Electrical Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grounding electrical components in power converters, such as those used in energy transmission and distribution, are time-consuming and pose safety risks for maintenance personnel, as they require manual operation and do not ensure continuous grounding, potentially leading to recharging due to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable actuating part having a conductive grounding section and an insulating section, where the insulating section rests on the components during normal operation to prevent grounding, and the conductive section is brought into contact upon movement for safe and continuous grounding, utilizing a flexible movement strand or cable with adapted dielectric strength for high voltages, and sliding or roller contacts for reliable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual grounding methods (contact rod or comb) are used, then grounding can be achieved, but it takes a lot of time and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding device uses a moving part that can be dynamically positioned between a retracted position (insulating section resting on components, preventing grounding) and an extended position (conductive grounding section contacting components, enabling grounding). This dynamic positioning allows rapid transition between grounded and isolated states, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining safety through controlled accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the electrical components. It provides a controlled interface where the insulating section prevents accidental contact during normal operation, while the conductive grounding section enables safe grounding when needed. This intermediary structure eliminates direct manual contact risks and reduces grounding time through automated positioning.
2Reliability
If manual grounding is performed, then grounding can be achieved, but continuous grounding is not ensured, leading to potential recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The moving part remains in the extended grounding position continuously during maintenance operations, ensuring uninterrupted grounding of the electrical components. The device is designed to maintain this position throughout the maintenance period, preventing any loss of grounding continuity that could lead to recharging, while requiring minimal operational intervention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding device is positioned and activated before maintenance work begins, establishing continuous grounding in advance. The moving part is extended to contact the components prior to any maintenance activities, ensuring that grounding is already in place and will remain so throughout the entire maintenance period, preventing any risk of recharging.
3Reliability
If the insulating section has high insulating strength for high voltages, then leakage currents are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating section is constructed from composite materials that provide high dielectric strength necessary for withstanding high voltages while preventing leakage currents and partial discharges. These composite materials combine electrical insulation properties with mechanical durability, achieving the required insulating performance without unnecessarily increasing device complexity through oversimplified designs.
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
Enables simple, safe, and continuous grounding of electrical components, preventing leakage currents and ensuring safety during maintenance by maintaining the components at ground potential, reducing the risk of recharging and improving handling and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically non-conductive insulating section (3) which is arranged at the end of the moving part (2) remote from the grounding point (7), with the components not being grounded when the insulating section (3) rests on the components
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive grounding section (4) connected to the grounding point (7), with an electrical connection between the grounding section (4) and the components being producible by moving the moving part (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for earthing electrical components (9) arranged in a chain, with an earthing point (7) at earth potential and an actuation means connected to the earthing point (7) for connecting the electrical components (9) to the earthing point (7). In order to provide such a device, with which a simple, safe, and durable earthing is obtained, it is proposed that the actuation means are constructed as a moving part (2) extending in a longitudinal direction and movable in a longitudinal direction, wherein the moving part (2) has an electrically conducting earthing section (4) connected to the earthing point (7) and an electrically nonconducting insulated section (3) arranged on the end of the moving part (2) facing away from the earthing point (7).