Sliding Grounding Assembly for Multi-Capacitor Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies face challenges in safely and efficiently discharging multiple high-voltage capacitors to ground potential for maintenance or repair, particularly due to the large number of capacitors, high voltages, and stored energy, which poses safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A grounding mechanism with slidable support longitudinal members and switch contact members, actuated by mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators, allows simultaneous grounding and ungrounding of multiple capacitors, accommodating thermal and positional tolerances, and features visible status indicators for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple capacitors are grounded individually, then each capacitor can be discharged safely, but the time required for maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grounding operations into a single unified grounding mechanism. The support longitudinal member with multiple switch contact members allows simultaneous grounding of multiple capacitors through one sliding action, merging what would otherwise be separate sequential operations into a single integrated action that maintains safety while dramatically reducing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding mechanism is segmented into multiple independent switch contact members (first, second, third, fourth) that can simultaneously engage with respective capacitors. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple capacitors in parallel while maintaining individual control over each grounding connection, enabling simultaneous discharge of multiple capacitors.
2Ease of manufacture
If the grounding mechanism is fixed, then installation is simple, but maintenance and repair require complete replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding mechanism is divided into separable components: the support longitudinal member and the switch contact members. The switch contact members can be independently removed from the support longitudinal member, allowing maintenance of individual contacts without replacing the entire grounding mechanism, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding mechanism transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic system where switch contact members can be selectively engaged and disengaged. The sliding support longitudinal member enables the mechanism to adapt between operational and maintenance states, allowing quick reconfiguration without complete replacement.
3Reliability
If switch contact members are close to electrical terminals, then grounding is effective, but safety risk increases for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The support longitudinal member acts as an intermediary insulating element between the switch contact members and the electrical terminals. This mediator allows the switch contact members to be positioned close to the capacitors for effective grounding while the insulating support maintains safe distances and provides electrical isolation, protecting operators from direct exposure to high voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between grounding elements and high-voltage terminals with an insulating support structure system. The insulating support longitudinal member substitutes for direct conductive connections, allowing electrical grounding to be achieved through controlled contact while mechanically maintaining safe distances and insulation barriers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the grounding mechanism accommodates thermal and positional tolerances, then it works with various capacitor layouts, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support longitudinal member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to slide and adjust its position along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability enables the mechanism to automatically accommodate thermal expansion and positional tolerances of capacitors without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining layout compatibility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the form of sliding motion along the longitudinal axis to adapt to varying capacitor positions. By changing the positional parameter of the support longitudinal member through simple sliding rather than complex mechanical adjustments, the system achieves versatility with various capacitor layouts while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical assembly comprises a grounding mechanism (54) and an electrical device (52), the grounding mechanism (54) including a support longitudinal member (56) and a switch contact member (58), the switch contact member (58) arranged in or on the support longitudinal member (56), the switch contact member (58) configured to be connected in use to ground, the electrical device (52) including an electrical terminal, wherein the support longitudinal member (56) is configured to be slidable between: a first position in which the switch contact member (58) is separated from the electrical terminal so that the switch contact member (58) is electrically disconnected from the electrical device (52); and a second position in which the switch contact member (58) is in contact with the electrical terminal so that the switch contact member (58) is electrically connected to the electrical device (52).