Railway Vehicle Disconnect Device Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway vehicle electrical disconnect devices are too tall, affecting aerodynamics and require expensive high-voltage insulated connectors, limiting the addition of functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical circuit breaker device with a vacuum interrupter and drive module, where the support extends parallel to the roof, allowing for additional functionalities like earthing and measurement modules, and using a hollow casing with removable sleeves for reduced size and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the disconnect device extends perpendicular to the roof, then the electrical contacts are easily accessible and the device structure is simple, but the height increases to about 550 millimeters which negatively affects aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the device orientation from vertical (perpendicular to roof) to horizontal (parallel to roof), changing the primary dimension of extension. This dimensional shift reduces height from 550mm to a compact profile while maintaining functionality through redesigned contactor placement and drive mechanism orientation.
2Length of stationary object
If the disconnect device extends parallel to the roof to reduce height, then aerodynamics improve, but expensive high-voltage insulated connectors are required and additional functionalities cannot be easily added
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular functional sections: vacuum interrupter chamber, drive module, connector assembly, and optional earthing/measurement modules. This segmentation allows independent addition or removal of functionalities without redesigning the entire device, enabling cost-effective customization while maintaining compact horizontal orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal mounting platform and standardized interface system that can accommodate various functional additions (earthing devices, measurement modules, different connector types). This universal architecture enables the same base device to serve multiple functions without requiring expensive custom high-voltage insulated connectors for each configuration.
3Length of stationary object
If the disconnect device extends parallel to the roof, then the height is reduced, but the device requires expensive high-voltage insulated connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate low-voltage control circuits and signaling systems that mediate between the control unit and the main high-voltage circuit breaker mechanism. This intermediary layer allows standard low-cost connectors and wiring to control expensive high-voltage components, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the compact horizontal design.
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
The solution reduces the height of the disconnect device, enhances aerodynamics, allows for inexpensive addition of functionalities, and facilitates maintenance, while ensuring safe and reliable current interruption.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum interrupter (24) comprising a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact and a vacuum inside which extend the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical disconnect device (10) for a railway vehicle comprising: - a support (12); - a circuit breaker (14) including a vacuum switch (24), an actuator (26), and a drive module (28) connecting the vacuum switch (24) to the actuator (26); - a first electrical connection (16A) and a second electrical connection (16B), each for connecting the vacuum switch (24) to an external electrical contact. The electrical connections (16A, 16B) each comprise a first end (44A, 44B) connected to the vacuum switch (24) and a second end (46A, 46B). The distance between the second end (46A, 46B) and the support (12) is greater than the distance between the first end (44A, 44B) and the support (12). The circuit breaker (14) extends between the support (12) and the electrical connections (16A, 16B).