Polyamide Switchgear Bushing Assembly for Recyclable Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium voltage switchgear bushings are expensive, difficult to assemble, and non-recyclable, with large size requirements due to high current and voltage parameters, and lack flexibility in accommodating different pin sizes.
Innovation Solution
A bushing system comprising a polyamide hollow body with an independent t-off and pin assembly, allowing for different pin diameters and sizes, featuring a modular design with integrated washers, flow leaders, and reinforcement ridges for improved dielectric performance and ease of installation, and a chamfered oval shape for better water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If epoxy material is used for bushings to provide sufficient insulation for high current and voltage parameters, then insulation performance is improved, but recyclability deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from epoxy (thermoset, non-recyclable) to polyamide (thermoplastic, recyclable) while maintaining the insulating properties through the hollow body geometry and material characteristics of polyamide
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing uses a composite structure combining polyamide material with a hollow body geometry, creating a composite solution that provides both electrical insulation and recyclability that neither component alone would achieve
2Reliability
If epoxy material is used for bushings to ensure insulation, then insulation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from epoxy to polyamide, reducing material cost while maintaining insulating performance through the hollow body design and polyamide's inherent electrical properties
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed bushing design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different pin sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is segmented into two independent parts: a universal hollow body and a variable t-off and pin assembly. This segmentation allows the main body to remain simple while the assembly part adapts to different pin configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different t-off and pin assemblies, making it multi-functional and adaptable to various pin sizes without requiring different main body designs
4Reliability
If integrated washer is added to the t-off and pin assembly, then dielectric test performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer function is merged with the t-off and pin assembly by integrating the washer directly into the assembly structure, eliminating the need for separate washer components and reducing overall assembly complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bushing for a metal clad medium voltage switchgear, the bushing comprising: - a hollow body; and - a t-off and pin assembly. The hollow body is made from polyamide. The t-off and pin assembly is made from polyamide. A first end of the hollow body is configured to connect to a compartment of a medium voltage switchgear. The t-off and pin assembly is configured to connect to a second end of the hollow body. The t-off and pin assembly is configured to connect to a T-off and pin.