Replaceable Bushing for Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently and effectively connecting power cables to electrical switchgear, particularly due to proprietary or non-standard interfaces, which can lead to dielectric breakdown and require significant repair or replacement when faulty materials or workmanship occur during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable bushing with a tapered exterior and interior surface is designed to transition between a connection interface on electrical equipment and a separable power cable connector, featuring a conductive cover and alignment features for proper installation, and can function as an adapter between industry-standard and proprietary interfaces, ensuring easy interconnection and replacement without major equipment repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary or non-standard interface is used on electrical equipment, then the equipment can be customized for specific applications, but the complexity of connection and risk of dielectric breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary component that interfaces between the proprietary electrical equipment connector and standard separable connectors. The bushing includes an inner engagement member with external threads that engage the proprietary interface, and an outer engagement member with a standard interface for separable connectors. This mediator simplifies connections by translating between proprietary and standard interfaces, reducing connection complexity while preserving customization capability.
2Reliability
If cable preparation and connector installation are performed with high precision, then connection reliability is improved, but the time and skill required for installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is pre-assembled with the inner engagement member threaded onto the outer engagement member before installation. The alignment features (keys and keyways) are pre-configured to ensure proper orientation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for precise field assembly and cable preparation, allowing installers to simply attach the pre-assembled bushing to the proprietary interface and connect separable connectors, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing installation time and skill requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed bushing is integrated into electrical equipment, then connection stability is improved, but the ability to replace faulty components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed as a segmented, modular component that can be independently removed and replaced. The inner engagement member is threaded onto the outer engagement member, allowing the bushing to be disassembled into separate parts. The outer engagement member with the standard interface can be replaced without affecting the inner engagement member that remains attached to the proprietary electrical equipment interface. This segmentation maintains connection stability during operation while enabling easy replacement of faulty bushing components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard interfaces are used on separable connectors, then interoperability is improved, but the need for transition adapters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as a transition adapter that mediates between standard separable connectors and proprietary electrical equipment interfaces. By placing the adaptation function in the removable bushing rather than integrating it permanently into the electrical equipment, the system maintains interoperability benefits of standard interfaces while managing interface variety through a simple, replaceable adapter component.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical equipment connector having a replaceable bushing for an electrical power connector is disclosed. The replaceable bushing includes an insulator body having a tapered exterior surface formed on the first end, and a tapered interior surface formed in a second end. A conductor body extends through the insulator body and has a through bore with a counterbore at one end. A captured bolt in the counterbore engages a threaded tap in a conductor body disposed in the housing such that the tapered interior surface fits over and conforms to a tapered exterior surface on the housing connector.