Rotary Connection Configuration Unit for High Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection configuration units for high voltage electrical circuits are complex, costly, and risky due to the need for multiple relays and integrated electronic circuits, which complicates the make-before-break process and increases size, especially in applications like submarine branching units.
Innovation Solution
A connection configuration unit comprising a fixed and mobile part with angularly positioned input and output terminals, allowing for reconfiguration through rotational movement, enabling make-before-break connections with a simplified structure and reduced components, utilizing a configuration driver unit to manage the activation command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple high voltage relays and integrated electronic circuits are used for make-before-break switching, then reliable high voltage switching is achieved, but device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic control circuits from the high voltage environment and places them in a separate low voltage section. The mobile contactor body with contacts remains in the high voltage section, while the electronic driver circuitry is isolated in a low voltage section, connected through a transformer. This extraction eliminates the need for complex integrated electronic circuits within the high voltage switching device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining switching reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the low voltage electronic control section and the high voltage switching section. The transformer provides galvanic isolation and enables control of high voltage contacts through low voltage electronic circuits, eliminating the need for complex high voltage electronic integration while maintaining reliable switching control.
2Reliability
If multiple relays are used for make-before-break connections, then electrical continuity is ensured, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single mobile contactor body that can assume different positions (first, second, and intermediate). This single multi-position contactor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate relays, reducing the component count while maintaining the make-before-break electrical continuity function through its ability to bridge contacts during transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile contactor body is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple switching configurations by rotating to different positions. It can establish first connections, second connections, and intermediate bridging connections, making a single component perform the work of multiple specialized relays, thereby reducing the total number of components needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated electronic circuits are placed inside the high voltage device, then relay and circuitry functions are combined, but the device size becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching device into two distinct sections: a high voltage section containing only the mobile contactor body with its contacts, and a separate low voltage section containing the electronic driver circuits. This segmentation allows the high voltage switching component to remain compact while the electronic circuits occupy separate space, achieving integrated functionality without increasing the volume of the high voltage device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable mobile part with multiple connection terminals is used, then reconfiguration capability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically rotatable mobile contactor body that can transition between different angular positions to achieve various switching configurations. This dynamic rotational mechanism provides multiple connection configurations (first, second, and intermediate positions) using a single moving component, which is simpler than providing multiple separate static switching mechanisms for each configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection configuration unit comprising a fixed part and a mobile part, the fixed part comprising at least three fixed input terminals and at least three fixed output terminals, the mobile part being moveable with respect to the fixed part from a first connection position to a second connection position; The mobile part comprises at least three connection sets. Each connection set comprises respectively an input terminal, an output terminal and a electrical connection path between said input terminal and the said output terminal. Each of said at least three connection sets is configured to allow electrical connectivity at said first connection position between a first fixed input terminal and a first fixed output terminal and to allow electrical connectivity at said second connection position between a second fixed input terminal and a second fixed output terminal.