Removable Bushing Flange With Localized Chamfer Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flanges for condenser cores in bushings are difficult to remove and reuse, especially when the condenser core is damaged, leading to unnecessary discarding of both the core and the flange.

Innovation Solution

A bushing flange design that incorporates an annular chamfer space between the flange and the condenser core, filled with a filler material, allowing for secure fitting without requiring a perfect diameter match and enabling easy removal and reuse of the flange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a thermosetting resin is introduced to fill the gap between the flange and the condenser core, then the flange is securely attached to the condenser core, but the flange cannot be removed for reuse if the condenser core is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidflange reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The chamfer space is segmented from the rest of the annular space by sealing elements (O-rings), creating a isolated filling zone. This segmentation allows the filler material to be confined to a specific region that can be removed without damaging the flange, enabling the flange to be reused while maintaining secure attachment during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filler material is applied locally only in the chamfer space between the flange and condenser core shoulder, rather than throughout the entire annular space. This localized application provides sufficient attachment strength at the critical interface while allowing the rest of the flange to remain free for potential removal and reuse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the flange is fitted tightly around the condenser core, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to shrinkage tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chamfer space acts as an intermediary zone between the flange and condenser core, filled with filler material that compensates for dimensional variations caused by shrinkage. This intermediary filling allows the flange to be securely attached without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the filler material accommodates the gaps created by shrinkage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and distribution of the filler material in the chamfer space to accommodate dimensional variations. By allowing the filler material to flow into and fill the chamfer space, the system adapts to different shrinkage parameters, maintaining secure attachment across a range of dimensional tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design allows for secure attachment of the flange to the condenser core without the need for precise diameter matching, facilitating easy removal and reuse of the flange, thus extending its lifespan and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

the filler material, in so far as it acts as a glue, will only bind the flange to the condenser core at said chamfer space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

By means of the chamfer space being delimited by the upper and (especially) lower sealing elements, e.g. O-rings, the filler material is prevented from filling any space between the flange and the condenser core outside of the chamfer space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3579252B1Removable bushing flange
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3579252B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3579252B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a flange to be fitted around a round cylindrical condenser core (3) of a bushing. The flange comprises an annular lower flange part (7) arranged to fit around a radial shoulder (4) of the condenser core such that a lower shoulder chamfer (5) of the shoulder rests against lower flange chamfer (28) of the lower flange part around the circumference of the condenser core; and an annular upper flange part (8) arranged to be fastened to the lower flange part and to fit around the condenser core above an upper shoulder chamfer (6) of the shoulder. An upper flange chamfer (27) of the upper flange part is arranged between an upper sealing element (25) and a lower sealing element (26), such that an annular chamfer space (21) is formed between the upper flange chamfer and the upper shoulder chamfer between the upper and lower sealing elements. The flange comprises an injection through hole (22) arranged for a filler material to be injected there through to fill the chamfer space.