Submerged Electrical Disconnect With Key Interlock Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical disconnect apparatuses for AC secondary network systems pose safety risks during maintenance and repair due to potential energization, and they are not suitable for submerged environments.
Innovation Solution
An improved electrical disconnect apparatus featuring a removable conductive element and key interlock mechanism that ensures the network protector is electrically isolated only when the system is in the OFF condition, housed within a sealed support for submerged operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rollout-type or draw-out-type circuit breaker is used to allow disconnection for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates because the circuit breaker remains energized and poses danger to technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element is extracted as a separate removable component from the circuit breaker assembly. When removed, it physically disconnects the network protector from the electrical network, ensuring complete de-energization while maintaining ease of access for maintenance personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The key interlock mechanism serves as an intermediary between the circuit breaker state and the conductive element removal. The key is only accessible when the circuit breaker is in the OFF position, providing a mediating control that prevents accidental removal during energized operation while enabling safe removal during maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the disconnect apparatus is sealed for submerged environment operation, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect apparatus is segmented into modular components including the sealed support housing, conductive element, and key interlock mechanism. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be implemented in a controlled manner while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support housing incorporates a sealed enclosure that acts as a protective shell, enabling the apparatus to operate in submerged environments while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through the use of sealed housing designs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the conductive element is made removable for safety isolation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key interlock mechanism and conductive element removal function are merged into a single integrated system. The key simultaneously controls both the circuit breaker state indication and the conductive element retention, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The key interlock mechanism provides self-service safety control by automatically preventing conductive element removal unless the circuit breaker is in the OFF position. This self-regulating feature enhances safety without requiring additional complex control systems or external monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved electrical disconnect apparatus includes a set of spaced apart conductors and a removable conductive element that is structured to extend between the conductors and to complete at least a portion of an electrical circuit that includes the conductors. The electrical disconnect apparatus is situated between an electrical network and a network protector. The conductors and the conductive element which extends therebetween are situated within the interior of a support that is sealed in order to permit the electrical disconnect apparatus to be in a submerged environment during use. The conductive element is retained by a key interlock wherein the key that enables removal of the conductive element is stored on the network protector and is only made available to the technician when the network protector has been switched to an OFF condition.