Polyamide Switchgear Bushing for Easier Assembly and Lower Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bushings for medium voltage switchgear are expensive, difficult to assemble, and large, with existing epoxy bushings being inefficient in terms of material usage and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A bushing made from recyclable polyamide with a hollow body, featuring a chamfered outer surface for improved water drainage, separate T-off and pin connections for simplified assembly, and a dielectric rim for enhanced dielectric performance, reducing the need for screws and optimizing material usage through simulation-driven design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If epoxy bushings are used, then dielectric performance is maintained, but assembly complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated polyamide bushing body that eliminates the need for separate epoxy inserts and multiple assembly steps. The bushing integrates the hollow body, connection features, and dielectric properties into one component, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable polyamide bushing design that replaces expensive, difficult-to-assemble epoxy bushings. The polyamide material allows for cost-effective manufacturing and simplified installation, accepting that the bushing may be replaced rather than permanently installed.
2Weight of moving object
If epoxy bushings are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from epoxy to polyamide, which has favorable strength-to-weight ratios. This parameter change reduces the bushing weight while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for medium voltage switchgear applications through optimized wall thickness and geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polyamide as a composite material that combines mechanical strength, electrical insulation properties, and lightweight characteristics. The material may incorporate glass fibers or other reinforcements to achieve the required structural integrity while keeping weight low.
3Volume of moving object
If larger bushing dimensions are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled polyamide construction that provides sufficient structural integrity through material properties and geometric optimization rather than increased thickness. The hollow cylindrical structure with optimized wall thickness achieves the required strength while minimizing volume and space requirements.
4Reliability
If polyamide material is used, then cost decreases and weight decreases, but dielectric performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from epoxy to polyamide, which offers cost-effective manufacturing through injection molding and inherent recyclability. The dielectric performance is maintained through proper material selection, wall thickness optimization, and design of the hollow structure to provide sufficient electrical insulation for medium voltage applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing for a metal clad medium voltage switchgear includes a hollow body. The body is made of polyamide. A first end of the body connects to a compartment of the medium voltage switchgear. A second end of the body connects to a T-off and pin. A body portion extends from the first end of the body to the second end of the body. The body portion is circular shaped about an axis extending from the first end of the body to the second end of the body.