Pivoting Switching Arm for High-Voltage Converter Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-phase high-voltage switchgear voltage converters face challenges in efficiently and safely establishing and interrupting electrical connections due to the need for complex and costly linearly movable contact elements, which do not adequately address high-voltage requirements for spatial spacing and electric field management.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter with a pivoting switching arm that can be easily and securely positioned between two end positions, eliminating the need for a screw jack and allowing for enhanced spatial separation of conductive components, along with a shielding mechanism to prevent electric fields and gas discharges, and a drive unit for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linearly movable contact element with screw jack is used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit is divided into a stationary contact element and a movable switching arm that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the switching arm to make contact with the contact element without requiring a complex screw jack mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the contact element linearly towards the switching arm using a screw jack, the invention inverts the approach by pivoting the switching arm to reach the contact element. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the screw jack while achieving the same electrical connection function.
2Reliability
If a linearly movable contact element is used, then electrical connection is established, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit is segmented into a stationary contact element and a pivoting switching arm. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly since the switching arm can be independently positioned and secured to the housing without requiring complex assembly of screw jack components, thereby reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by using a pivoting switching arm instead of a linearly movable contact element with screw jack. This inversion simplifies both manufacturing and assembly processes, reducing assembly time while maintaining the electrical connection capability.
3Reliability
If sufficient spatial spacing is provided for high-voltage components, then safety is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching arm pivots in a plane to achieve spatial separation from the active part. By utilizing angular displacement in a two-dimensional plane rather than linear displacement along a single axis, the design achieves sufficient high-voltage spacing while minimizing the overall volume increase of the converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The length of the switching arm is optimized to provide sufficient spatial spacing for high-voltage safety requirements. By carefully selecting the arm length parameter, the design achieves the necessary safety distances without excessive volume increase, balancing safety and compactness.
4Productivity
If a pivotable switching arm is used, then switching speed is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching arm is designed to pivot about a fixed pivot point that serves as a natural reference for positioning. The stop element provides a self-aligning mechanism that ensures accurate positioning of the switching arm at its end positions, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements for the pivot point itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex screw jack mechanical system with a simpler pivoting mechanism. This substitution reduces manufacturing precision requirements by eliminating the need for precise threading and screw engagement, while still achieving fast switching through the rotational motion of the switching arm.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a voltage converter (1) for a switchgear. The voltage converter (1) comprises an active part (2) having a transformer (3) and a contact element (4) for electrically contacting the transformer (3) and a mechanical switch unit (5) for electrically connecting and disconnecting the switchgear and the active part (2). The switch unit (5) has an electrically conductive switch arm (10) which can swivel between two end positions and which contacts the contact element (4) in a first of said end positions in an electrically conductive manner and electrically disconnects the switch unit (5) and the active part (2) from each other in the second end position.