Solid-Insulated Intermediate Piece with Elastic Sealing for Strain Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical energy transmission devices face challenges in achieving simple assembly with adequate electrical insulation and expansion compensation, particularly due to differing length expansions caused by operating currents and environmental influences, which can lead to undesirable mechanical stresses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a compensation device with a solid-insulated intermediate piece and a clamping arrangement featuring elastic sealing elements, such as O-rings, for secure attachment to the housing walls, allowing for effective expansion compensation and sealing, even with less elastic solid insulators, as the sealing elements take over some compensation functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solid-insulated intermediate piece is used for expansion compensation, then electrical insulation is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to additional sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function and expansion compensation function into a single elastic sealing element. This element is integrated with the solid-insulated intermediate piece, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical insulation and expansion compensation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic sealing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to maintain electrical insulation, compensates for thermal expansion, and simplifies the overall assembly process. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and streamlines assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the solid insulator is made less elastic to improve insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but expansion compensation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidexpansion compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the intermediate piece into two functional segments: a solid-insulated core component that provides reliable electrical insulation, and an integrated elastic sealing element that provides expansion compensation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic sealing element acts as an intermediary between the rigid solid insulator and the housing walls. It mediates the expansion forces while maintaining the structural integrity and insulation properties of the solid insulator, allowing the system to accommodate thermal expansion without compromising electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple solid-insulated intermediate pieces are used for multiple current paths, then expansion compensation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpansion compensationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a modular segmented design where identical solid-insulated intermediate pieces with integrated sealing elements are used for each current path. This standardization allows for scalable assembly - adding more intermediate pieces for additional current paths does not increase the complexity of individual components, only the quantity, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies assembly, enhances expansion compensation, and maintains electrical insulation, effectively managing mechanical stresses across varying current strengths and environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic sealing element for a sealing attachment of the respective solid-insulated intermediate piece to the wall of the first and/or the second section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The encapsulating housings of electrical energy transmission devices experience different length expansions (absolutely as well as compared to the current path) due to the operating current that flows via the at least one electrical conductor and environmental influences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3979444A1Electrical energy transfer device with compensation device for strain compensation and corresponding compensation device
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3979444A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3979444A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3979444A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical power transmission device (10) with at least one electrical current path (16), an encapsulation housing (18) which has a first and a second section (24, 26) with corresponding walls (30) and encapsulates the at least one electrical current path (16) in these sections (24, 26) from the outside, and a compensation device (12) for strain compensation in the electrical power transmission device (10), wherein this compensation device (12) has a solid-insulated intermediate piece (36) per electrical current path (16) which electrically insulates this electrical current path (16) from the outside in an intermediate space (28) between the first section (24) and the second section (6) of the encapsulation housing (18).It is provided that the compensation device (12) for each solid-insulated intermediate piece (36) additionally comprises at least one clamping arrangement (38) with at least one elastic sealing element (40) for sealingly fastening the respective solid-insulated intermediate piece (36) to the wall (30) of the first and/or the second section (24, 26). The invention further relates to a compensation device (12) for expansion compensation in a corresponding electrical power transmission device (10) with an encapsulation housing (18).